Regulating high-reach AI: on transparency directions in the Digital Services Act

Kasia Söderlund, Emma Engström, Kashyap Haresamudram, Stefan Larsson, Pontus Strimling

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

By introducing the concept of high-reach AI, this paper focuses on AI systems whose widespread use may generate significant risks for both individuals and societies. While some of those risks have been recognised under the AI Act, we are analysing the rules laid down by the Digital Services Act (DSA) for recommender systems used by dominant social media platforms, as a prominent example of high-reach AI. Specifically, we examine transparency provisions aimed at addressing adverse effects of these AI technologies employed by social media very large online platforms (VLOPs).

Drawing from AI transparency literature, we analyse DSA transparency measures through the conceptual lens of horizontal and vertical transparency. Our analysis indicates that while the DSA incorporates transparency provisions in both dimensions, the most progressive amendments emerge within the vertical transparency, for instance, by the introduction of the systemic risk assessment mechanism.

However, we argue that the true impact of the new transparency provisions extends beyond their mere existence, emphasising the critical role of oversight entities in implementation and application of the DSA. Overall, this study highlights the paramount importance of vertical transparency in providing a comprehensive understanding of the aggregated risks associated with high-reach AI technologies, exemplified by social media recommender systems.
Original languageEnglish
JournalInternet Policy Review
Volume13
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2024 Mar 20

Subject classification (UKÄ)

  • Information Systems, Social aspects
  • Law and Society

Free keywords

  • high-reach AI
  • Recommender systems
  • Digital Services Act
  • Social media
  • AI transparency

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Regulating high-reach AI: on transparency directions in the Digital Services Act'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this