The European Centre for Algorithmic Transparency (ECAT) will contribute to a safer, more predictable and trusted online environment for people and business.
How algorithmic systems shape the visibility and promotion of content, and its societal and ethical impact, is an area of growing concern. Measures adopted under the Digital Services Act (DSA) call for algorithmic accountability and transparency audits.
The ECAT contributes with scientific and technical expertise to the European Commission's exclusive supervisory and enforcement role of the systemic obligations on Very Large Online Platforms (VLOPs) and Very Large Online Search Engines (VLOSEs) provided for under the DSA.
Scientists and experts working at the ECAT will cooperate with industry representatives, academia, and civil society organisations to improve our understanding of how algorithms work: they will analyse transparency, assess risks, and propose new transparent approaches and best practices.
The ECAT is part of the European Commission, hosted by the Joint Research Centre (JRC) - the Commission’s in-house science and knowledge service - in close cooperation with the Directorate General Communications Networks, Content and Technology (DG CONNECT).
We are preparing new rounds of recruitment for top-level experts interested in research or inspection.
In the meantime, you can send a spontaneous application to EC-ECAT@ec.europa.eu, and if your profile matches our needs we will keep you updated once new positions are available on the JRC Recruitment Portal.
In the spotlight
Digital Services Act: conducting independent audits
The European Commission launched the public feedback period on the first substantive output for the Digital Services Act: the delegated act on audits.
Call for evidence: Delegated Regulation on data access provided for in the Digital Services Act
The European Commission launched a call for evidence on the provisions in the DSA related to data access for researchers. These are designed to better monitor platform providers’ actions to tackle illegal content.
Digital Services Act: Commission designates first set of Very Large Online Platforms and Search Engines
The Commission adopted the first designation decisions under the Digital Services Act (DSA), designating 17 Very Large Online Platforms (VLOPs) and 2 Very Large Online Search Engines (VLOSEs) that reach at least 45 million monthly active users.
ECAT in the media
Contraintes par Bruxelles, les plateformes dévoilent leurs audiences en Europe
ECAT news announcement published on Le Figaro, France.
Landmark EU rules for online platforms enter into force
ECAT news announcement published on EU business, Belgium.
Sevilla albergará el Centro Europeo para la Transparencia algorítmica
ECAT news announcement published on El País, Spain.
Upcoming Events
European Workshop on Algorithmic Fairness (EWAF'23)
- Winterthur, Switzerland
- External event
Related content
The Digital Services Act package
The Digital Services Act and Digital Markets Act aim to create a safer digital space where the fundamental rights of users are protected and to establish a level playing field for businesses.
Q&A: Digital Services Act
The Digital Services Act (DSA) regulates the obligations of digital services that act as intermediaries in their role of connecting consumers with goods, services, and content. This includes online marketplaces amongst others.
Trustworthy AI @ JRC
A summary to all the activities of the Joint Research Centre towards a trustworthy artificial intelligence: transparent, fair, human-centred and with a positive societal impact.