Comment by AlgorithmWatch

Alongside its provisions on improved transparency and data access for researchers, the Commission’s draft calls for two additional layers of oversight for very large platforms: Audits by independent auditors and auditing powers for regulators. We welcome the Commission’s approach and appreciate its proposal for such a comprehensive auditing and enforcement regime. According to the proposal, large platforms will undergo mandatory audits by independent auditors that have “expertise in the area of risk management,” as well as “technical competence to audit algorithms.” These auditors should ensure that large platforms are in compliance with a long list of obligations, ranging from rules on recommender system transparency to its updated notice and action rules.