World weighs laws to rein in mighty algorithms

Politicians and academics have suggested various means of limiting the harmful side-effects of social media algorithms – none without their complications. — AFP Relaxnews

PARIS: From the YouTube videos we’re recommended to deciding who gets a job, algorithms wield an ever-growing influence over our lives – and policy-makers worldwide want to rein them in.

While China is worried about delivery app algorithms that encourage their drivers to speed, US lawmakers are grappling with social media recommendation systems that have sent some users down dangerous rabbit-holes.