Beijing Drafts Comprehensive Rules to Rein in Big Tech Algorithms
China's cyberspace regulator unveils a 30-point draft proposal to control how tech giants use recommendation algorithms to push online content. The sweeping regulatory push also targets excessive celebrity exposure and fan club culture.
China's internet watchdog releases a draft proposal to regulate algorithm-empowered recommendation activities across the web. The Cyberspace Administration of China seeks public feedback on these 30-point rules to control how technology companies like ByteDance and Tencent push videos and other online content to users.
The new regulation aims to address social concerns surrounding algorithm technology, including the problematic use of big data analysis to charge consumers different prices. Legal experts call this the most complete set of norms yet for adjusting algorithm recommendations in China, as Beijing attempts to redirect public attention toward state-approved content.
Alongside the algorithm rules, the regulator issues a separate 10-point notice that bans websites and apps from giving excessive exposure to celebrities and prohibits the formation of online fan clubs. Authorities also launch a campaign to eliminate app alerts about celebrity gossip, violence, and vulgar content, demonstrating Beijing's extensive reach over online discussions.