A coalition of European lawmakers has formally demanded that the European Union launch an urgent investigation into the influence of social media platforms during recent waves of civil unrest. In a letter signed by more than 30 members of the European Parliament (MEPs), including lawmaker Stephanie Yon-Courtin, the group called on the bloc’s tech chief, Henna Virkkunen, to utilize existing digital content regulations to extract answers from major technology firms.
The request follows widespread student-led demonstrations that have taken place in countries such as France, Italy, Spain, and Belgium. While many of these rallies remained peaceful, some have escalated into violence. Lawmakers expressed deep concern regarding how digital platforms may have facilitated these events, citing the use of recommender systems to circulate images, the livestreaming of incidents, and the organization of gatherings. Furthermore, the MEPs are seeking transparency on whether these platforms generated revenue from such content.
The parliamentarians are urging Brussels to invoke crisis mechanisms under the Digital Services Act (DSA). They argue that these tools provide the European Commission with the necessary authority to implement targeted and proportionate measures. As a final resort, the lawmakers suggested that the EU should be prepared to suspend services if platforms fail to address the spread of illegal content or the impact of their algorithms. Additionally, the group emphasized the need for enhanced protections for minors, who they warned are particularly vulnerable to this type of digital contagion.
The European Commission has confirmed receipt of the correspondence. Earlier on Friday, Commission spokesman Thomas Regnier noted that while national authorities already possess the power to request information from platforms under the DSA, the Commission remains prepared to intervene if a systemic dimension is identified.
READ ALSO: Protests in France – What to expect on Saturday, October 24th
