EU sets up research hub to analyze Big Tech's AI algorithms
The European Commission has launched a new research unit that will investigate the impact of the algorithms made and used by prominent online platforms and search engines such as Facebook and Google.
The research unit dubbed the European Centre for Algorithmic Transparency (ECAT), launched on April 18 and will help the Commission identify and address any potential risks posed by these platforms.
ECAT will be embedded within the European Union’s existing Joint Research Centre (JRC) which conducts research on a broad range of subjects including Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Like the design of the Las Setas building in Seville, algorithms are complex structures that shape our online experience.This is what we are working on at the European Centre for Algorithmic Transparency. We want to make the online experience safer for all.#DigitalEU
The team will consist of “data scientists, AI experts, social scientists and legal experts” that will analyze and evaluate the AI-backed algorithms used by Big Tech firms.
AI-based programs are built using a series of complex algorithms, meaning ECAT will also be looking at algorithms that underpin AI chatbots such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT, which some believe could eventually replace search engines.
4. New systems like Microsoft’s Bing chatbot and OpenAI’s ChatGPT threaten traditional search engines such as Google, which may explain why Samsung is reportedly considering replacing Google with Bing as its default search engine.
On its website, the Commission claims ECAT will conduct algorithmic accountability and transparency audits as required by the Digital Services Act (DSA) — a set of European Union rules enforceable as of Nov. 16, 2022.
According to the EU’s internal market commissioner, Thierry
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