ECAT interviewed by De Standaard

In light of the Digital Services Act coming into full force on February 17, Head of the European Centre for Algorithmic Transparency, Alberto Pena Fernández, was interviewed by Belgian outlet De Standaard. Alberto highlighted how ECAT’s work around algorithmic inspections helps keep large online platforms accountable and protects European citizens’ online experiences.  

In the context of infringement cases, the team at ECAT is gaining unprecedented insight into how large online platforms’ algorithms work. Asked about this process, Alberto explained that there is good cooperation with the platforms. On the complexity of the algorithms the team is encountering, he mentions they knew it was going to be a hard task, but it’s been a productive learning experience.

As one of the biggest wins coming from DSA enforcement, Alberto stresses that some online platforms are already introducing some changes, making it easier for users to decide what information appears on their feeds. He shares his personal measure of success would be to not see unhealthy or illegal content in his social media feed within a year.

You can read the article (in Flemish) here.