Campaign launched to tackle issue of algorithms

Chinese netizens have expressed support as the government launched a campaign targeting the algorithms behind various internet services, aiming to address long-standing user complaints on issues including homogeneous content recommendations and the malicious manipulation of trending topics. Additionally, the campaign targets the manipulation of trending topic rankings, mandating that internet platforms fully disclose the algorithm principles behind their trending lists to enhance "transparency and explainability". Furthermore, the long-standing issue of "big data discrimination", where platforms use algorithms to implement differential pricing based on user characteristics such as age, occupation and consumption level, will be strictly prohibited. "After accumulating a large amount of user data, internet platforms can easily target users with specific content and advertising," he said.