A blow to the world of social networks: EU will force IT companies to expose the workings of algorithms

The specific settings of these algorithms were never known to the public. Some details of the company are explained in the recommendations and rules. Some leaked through leaks, causing scandals and lively public debate. However, no one has disclosed all the details. Now it looks like the rules of the game will change as the EU prepares to introduce a new law.

Details of the new law

• The Digital Services Act (DSA) should make IT companies more responsible for the information that appears on their platforms.
• They will vote for him on Saturday, April 30.
• Google, Meta and others need to remove illegal content and products faster, explain to users and experts how their algorithms work, and monitor disinformation more closely.
• It is recommended that fines for non-compliance be determined as 6% of the annual turnover.

DSA will replace the ground rules for all online services in the EU. This principle will have a practical application: what is illegal offline is illegal online. The larger the online platform, the greater the responsibility
– said Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission.

European Competition Commissioner Margret Vestager, who introduced many of the laws regulating the internet technology sector, believes the new rules “ensure platforms that their services are responsible for threats to society and citizens.”

The final text of the law has not yet been published, but the European Parliament and the European Commission have already identified a number of mandatory points:

• Prohibition of targeted ads based on religion, sexual orientation or nationality.
• Prohibition of deceptive or false user interfaces. In particular, unsubscribing should be as simple as accepting.
• Great online platforms It should make recommendation algorithms transparent for users and offer the opportunity to opt out of recommendations based on personal data.
• Providers and platforms should clearly explain why they are removing illegal content and give users the opportunity to appeal such a decision. The law doesn’t specify what content is considered illegal, it’s up to EU member states.
• The biggest platforms should provide important data to researchers.
• Online marketplaces must store essential information about merchants so they can track those selling illegal goods or services.
• Major platforms should also implement new strategies to combat disinformation during crises.

The voting itself is called a “formality” because the law is actually already upheld. It will take effect 15 months later or from 1 January 2024, whichever comes first.

While DSA will only operate in the European Union, its effects could spread worldwide. It is more cost-effective for global companies to implement a single knowledge management strategy than to follow the rules of each country.