thetimes : Merkel attacks bias of Google and Facebook

Merkel attacks bias of Google and Facebook

Angela Merkel has called on big internet companies to be more transparent about how information is filtered to people REUTERS/FABRIZIO BENSCHAngela Merkel wants the EU to ensure that internet companies spell out how they generate news and search items for users amid fears that they are pandering to prejudices.The German chancellor is concerned by the way that online providers such as Google and Facebook present material through secretive algorithms which can prioritise new material based on previous topics.Mrs Merkel is said to believe that this has helped to polarise opinion in the US election campaign with hardcore supporters becoming shielded from anything which confronts or criticises their views.

Angela Merkel wants Facebook and Google's secrets revealed

Image copyright EPA Image caption Search algorithms can bias what people see online, said Ms MerkelAngela Markel has said that the way search engines and social networks like Google and Facebook choose what people see online should be made public.The German chancellor said the secrecy around the algorithms used by online platforms threatened open debate.Without greater scrutiny, many people could get a distorted or censored view of events, she said.

Angela Merkel demands Facebook and Google become more transparent

Angela Merkel has called on Facebook and other major internet platforms to become more transparent, during a media conference in Berlin this week.The German Chancellor argued algorithms distort our perception when they are not transparent.Merkel did not name Facebook, Google or Twitter, but implied the large platforms are creating 'bubbles' of self-reinforcing views.