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Algorithm recommendation regulation finalized, fines tripled

China has finalized its groundbreaking algorithm regulation, which will come into effect on March 1. On January 4, the Cyberspace Administration of China, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, the Ministry of Public Security, and the State Administration for Market Regulation jointly published the Provisions for the Administration of Algorithmic Recommendations in Internet Information Services (互联网信息服务算法推荐管理规定).

The finalized rules apply to the application of algorithmic recommendation technology such as personalized push, sorting and selection, and information filtering services. Users must be provided with options to switch off such algorithmic recommendation services,

The finalized version of the regulation retains most of its draft form, with the addition of four major modifications. First, whereas the draft version emphasized the right of users to request firms explain how algorithm recommendation technology is being used, the finalized version requires firms provide that information by default (Article 17). Second, a new article was added to target internet news information services that involve algorithmic recommendation services, which must “not generate or disseminate false news information” (Article 13). Third, services targeting the elderly must ”fully consider the needs of the elderly for travel, medical treatment, consumption, and errands, and provide intelligent elderly-appropriate services in accordance with relevant national regulations” (Article 19). Fourth, fines for violations have been tripled to a maximum RMB 100,000 ($15,700). 

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