The guidelines come at a time when Beijing is cracking down on the tech sector for alleged monopolistic behavior and non-compliance of regulations. C

China sets new rules for internet algorithms

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2021-08-27 15:30:05

The guidelines come at a time when Beijing is cracking down on the tech sector for alleged monopolistic behavior and non-compliance of regulations.

China on Friday announced new draft guidelines to regulate the algorithms used by tech companies to make recommendations to users.

Algorithms must not promote content "endangering national security, disrupting economic and social order or infringing on the legitimate rights and interests of others," according to the rules published by China's Cyberspace Administration.

Also, users must not be shown discriminatory prices based on their past behaviour and must have the option to turn off recommendations, the rules said. Furthermore, algorithms should not be used to create fake user accounts.

Internet companies worldwide use algorithms to predict consumer behavior and preferences to make recommendations that are tailored to their users' preferences.