I just had a Thought. Obviously, we can’t simply pass a law banning #X specifically from operating in the #EuropeanUnion . It would set a terrible precedent, likely wouldn’t pass the courts, and wouldn’t be very effective since X could just rebrand itself or something.
But we could introduce, say, the “Social Media Transparency Act” which would require all social media systems operating in the European Union to either use a strict timeline, or publish the precise algorithm they use to show content to their users. And if there are any variables specific to the user, their profile, their region and so forth, then users must be able to request the values of these parameters as they apply to them at any time.
And if any social media companies in the European unions do not comply… well then we can fine and/or ban them!
Does this sound like a plan?
#SocialMedia #Fediverse
@[email protected] I had the same thought for some time.
I would leave the choice for the no/algorithm to the user.
Make it explicit and non-default. Like the agreements for direct marketing. Penalize dark UX patterns.
The algorithms distort the view of the reality for masses of people. This will never end well, no matter who controls an algorithm.
Maybe the legal reasoning could be around manipulating communication between people and their friends.