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Algorithmic transparency unit ups tech oversight

The European Commission is setting up a European Centre for Algorithmic Transparency (ECAT) following the enactment of the Digital Services Act.

The act calls for increased oversight of the algorithmic systems used by very large online platforms and search engines.

This includes how they moderate content and present information to users.

The new centre will support the Commission in assessing whether the functioning of such algorithms is in line with the risk-management obligations under the DSA.

Three locations

The ECAT will be located at the Joint Research Centre (JRC) site in Seville, Spain, with staff also located in Brussels and Ispra in Italy.

It is expected to be fully operational in the first quarter of 2023 with the goal of becoming ‘a centre of gravity’ for international research in the field – acting as a knowledge hub for vetted researchers analysing data provided under the Digital Services Act.

The new centre will support the European Commission in assessing whether the functioning of such algorithms is in line with the risk-management obligations under the act.

Recruitment campaign

The JRC has launched a recruitment campaign for experts in data science, algorithmic design, algorithmic auditing, and other closely linked fields. 

Applications are open until 9 January 2023.

The commission is also currently recruiting for lawyers interested in the online economy for the Digital Services Act team in the Directorate General for Communications Networks, Content and Technology.