View source for European Centre for Algorithmic Transparency

{{Short description|Centre for algorithmic transparency research}}
{{Politics of the European Union}}
The '''European Centre for Algorithmic Transparency'''<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://algorithmic-transparency.ec.europa.eu/index_en|title=European Centre for Algorithmic Transparency - European Commission|date=June 27, 2024|website=algorithmic-transparency.ec.europa.eu}}</ref> ('''ECAT''') provides scientific and technical expertise to support the enforcement of the [[Digital Services Act]] (DSA) and researches the impact of algorithmic systems deployed by online platforms and search engines. Launched in 2023,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bertuzzi |first=Luca |date=2023-04-19 |title=EU launches research centre on algorithmic transparency |url=https://www.euractiv.com/section/platforms/news/eu-launches-research-centre-on-algorithmic-transparency/ |access-date=2023-04-20 |website=www.euractiv.com |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Lomas |first=Natasha |date=2023-04-18 |title=Europe spins up AI research hub to apply accountability rules on Big Tech |url=https://techcrunch.com/2023/04/18/ecat/ |access-date=2023-04-20 |website=TechCrunch |language=en-US}}</ref> ECAT is part of the [[Joint Research Centre]] within the [[European Commission]], working in close collaboration with the Directorate General Communications Networks, Content and Technology ([[Directorate-General for Communications Networks, Content and Technology|DG CONNECT]]).

== Context and Mission ==
The ever-increasing societal impact of online platforms such as social networks, online marketplaces, and search engines has created an urgent need for public oversight of the processes at the core of their businesses. The automated processes deployed to moderate content and curate information for users warrant particular scrutiny, as they affect everything — from social interactions, to news and entertainment consumption, to shopping habits.

The DSA requires designated '''Very Large Online Platforms (VLOPs)''' and '''Very Large Online Search Engines (VLOSEs)''' operating in the European Union to identify, analyse and assess certain systemic risks stemming from the design and functioning of their service and related systems, including algorithmic systems. Moreover, they must commit to addressing identified risks, directly or indirectly related to the functioning of the algorithmic system in use.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-01-18 |title=The Digital Services Act package {{!}} Shaping Europe's digital future |url=https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/policies/digital-services-act-package |access-date=2024-01-19 |website=digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu |language=en}}</ref>

ECAT's mission is to contribute to the '''supervision and enforcement of the DSA''' in two core ways. Firstly, by providing technical assistance and practical guidance for the enforcement of the DSA. Secondly, by researching the long-running impact of algorithmic systems to inform policy-making and contribute to the public discussion.

Throughout its work, ECAT takes an interdisciplinary approach by integrating technical, ethical, economic, legal and environmental perspectives. It also engages with an international community of researchers and practitioners within academia, civil society, national public administrations and industry. Its ultimate goal is to guarantee that European citizens can '''navigate a safer digital environment'''.<ref>{{Cite web |title=About - European Commission |url=https://algorithmic-transparency.ec.europa.eu/about_en |access-date=2024-01-19 |website=algorithmic-transparency.ec.europa.eu |language=en}}</ref>

== Activities ==
ECAT's work has '''three''' pillars:

'''1. Platform assessments and investigations'''
* Algorithmic system inspections to support enforcement of the DSA.
* Technical tests on algorithmic systems to enhance the understanding of their functioning.
* Advice on procedures to secure data access to regulators and researchers.

'''2. Scientific research and foresight'''

* Study of the short, mid and long-term societal impact of algorithmic systems.
* Identification and measurement of systemic risks associated with VLOPs and VLOSEs and risk mitigation measures.
* Development of practical methodologies towards fair, transparent and accountable algorithmic approaches, with a focus on recommender systems and information retrieval.

'''3. Networking and community building'''

* Sharing of knowledge and facilitation of discussions on algorithmic transparency with international stakeholders.
* Acting as a knowledge hub for research conducted through data access provided by the DSA.

== See also ==
* [https://algorithmic-transparency.ec.europa.eu/index_en European Centre for Algorithmic Transparency]
* [[Ethics of artificial intelligence]]
* [[Regulation of algorithms]]
* [[Regulation of artificial intelligence]]
* [[Algorithmic bias]]

== References ==
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{{Eu-directorates-general}}
{{EU-stub}}

[[Category:2023 in the European Union]]
[[Category:European Digital Strategy]]
[[Category:Regulation of robots]]
[[Category:Information technology organizations based in Europe]]