China’s algorithm law takes effect to curb Big Tech’s sway in public opinion

  • The regulation marks a bold attempt by Beijing to tame the use of recommendation algorithms in apps and websites
  • Under the new rules, tech companies are told to “promote positive energy” and allow users to decline personalised recommendations

Shoppers and visitors walk along Nanjing Road East in Shanghai. A new regulation in China designed to rein in the use of algorithms goes into effect on Tuesday. Photo: Bloomberg

A new regulation in China designed to rein in the use of recommendation algorithms in apps went into effect on Tuesday, representing Beijing’s latest effort to curb the influence of Big Tech companies in shaping online views and opinions.

The rules come at a time when misinformation and fake news are running rampant on Chinese social media despite extensive government censorship. In recent days, platforms such as microblogging site Weibo, ByteDance’s short video-sharing app Douyin, and Tencent Holdings’ ubiquitous super app WeChat have shut down thousands of accounts that were spreading provocative content related to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
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