A bipartisan group of American lawmakers has introduced a bill that would allow users to control how the algorithms shaping their online experience operate.
I am proud to introduce this bipartisan and bicameral legislation, which brings more accountability and transparency to Big Tech platforms.
Thanks to @davidcicilline @BurgessOwens and @RepLoriTrahan for leading this with me.https://t.co/M9rYGnXAc7
— Rep. Ken Buck (@RepKenBuck) November 9, 2021
If enacted, the law would require companies such as Meta to develop “transparent” algorithms that do not use personal data to generate recommendations.
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Platforms that continue to rely on existing systems must inform visitors of this. The notice may be one-off, but it should be presented \”clearly and in a prominent place,\” the document says.
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In addition, users will be able to disable personalized recommendations.
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\”Consumers should be able to interact with internet platforms without being subjected to manipulation by secret algorithms based on user data,\” said U.S. Representative Ken Buck.
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According to the bill, the restrictions would not apply to search-service algorithms or recommendation systems that require users to input certain data, such as a query for nearby cafes or songs by a specific artist.
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Content-moderation tools that display articles, videos or posts for specific age groups will also be able to operate without changes.
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The bill targets large technology companies. The restrictions would not apply to organizations with fewer than a million users, up to 500 employees, or whose revenues have not exceeded $50 million in the last three years.
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In October, a former Facebook employee accused the social network of deliberately using algorithms that fuel the spread of disinformation, incitement of hatred and ethnic violence for profit.
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In August, Twitter acknowledged bias in the platform’s algorithms, notably the photo-cropping tool that ‘favors’ slim women.
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