China regulates algorithms by law

Dusseldorf Governments around the world are looking for ways to regulate the power of algorithms and tech corporations. Algorithms are increasingly determining people’s everyday lives – whether recommendations when searching the Internet, personalized advertising or, for example, a pre-selection for job applications.

While Washington and Brussels have been debating correct concepts for years, Beijing is now rushing forward and creating facts: on Tuesday, China was the first country in the world to pass a law that regulates algorithms.

It should come into force on March 1st. With the new rules, the government wants to prevent Internet platforms from misusing their data power. In addition, it tightens its control over the tech companies. Beijing is thus consolidating its political access to the digital world.