China targets big tech’s algorithms as crackdown persists

The Cyberspace Administration of China will conduct on-site inspections of firms and ask them to submit their various services for review, the Internet watchdog said in a statement on April 8. — AFP

China kicked off a formal campaign to rein in the potential abuse of algorithms by internet giants from ByteDance Ltd to Tencent Holdings Ltd, taking aim at the way social media platforms serve up ads and content to hook users.

The Cyberspace Administration of China will conduct on-site inspections of firms and ask them to submit their various services for review, the Internet watchdog said in a statement Friday. Large-scale websites, platforms and products with big influence will be targeted, it said, without naming any.