In China, IT giants shared information about their system algorithms with authorities

In China, local IT giants, including Tencent Holdings, ByteDance, and many others, have handed over information to the authorities about the algorithms on which their systems operate, Bloomberg reports.

Recently, the Chinese regulator published a list of 30 algorithms used by IT companies to collect user data, prepare personal recommendations and work with content. Only brief descriptions of the algorithms were made public. However, the Chinese authorities received more detailed information.

Back in March 2022, China passed a law allowing Internet companies to be required to disclose information about tools for collecting information about users. At the moment, the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) requires only basic information from Chinese big tech companies, but it can send a request for additional information in cases where companies are accused of abuse. In addition, the relevant departments of China will update the list of information required for submission of information.