Recommendations & Conclusions
4 items
9
Recommendation
2nd Report – Social media, misinformati…
Deferred
There is a shortfall in data needed to accurately analyse the scale of the problem and identify policy solutions. In line with our Principle 4, the government should commission a large-scale research project into how far social media recommendation systems spread, amplify or prioritise harmful content. This should be undertaken …
Government response. The government states that Ofcom, as the independent online safety regulator, is best placed to judge and undertake research into content recommender systems, rather than the government commissioning a project directly. It also points to the Data (Use and Access) …
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
10
Recommendation
2nd Report – Social media, misinformati…
Deferred
Based on the research described above, the government should publish conclusions on the level and nature of harm that these platforms promote through their recommendation systems. Following our Principle 3, if significant harm is found, the responsible online services should publish the actions they will take to address these harms. …
Government response. The government redirects the recommendation to Ofcom, stating it is best placed to consider it, oversee risk assessments, and guide platforms on addressing harms from recommendation systems. It notes that Ofcom already possesses the power to impose fines of up …
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
28
Recommendation
2nd Report – Social media, misinformati…
Deferred
Principle 5 is crucial for addressing potential harms from generative AI, as there is currently a serious shortfall in transparency and oversight of the platforms and systems that allow users to create AI-generated content. The government should require providers of generative AI services to provide information to those carrying out …
Government response. The government states that provisions in the Data (Use and Access) Act empower the DSIT Secretary of State to create a future framework for independent researchers to access online safety data, which will provide a legislative footing for their research …
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
36
Recommendation
2nd Report – Social media, misinformati…
Deferred
The internet, and social media, could not operate without digital advertising. Given its implications for public safety, as per Principle 5, there needs to be heightened transparency in the market processes of online advertising. Government should mandate ‘Know Your Customer’ checks for participants in the programmatic advertising supply chain, as …
Government response. The government acknowledges concerns regarding trust and transparency in online advertising and commits to exploring options for 'Know Your Customer' checks, alongside other interventions, through its continued work with the Online Advertising Taskforce. However, it does not commit to mandating …
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology