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Social Media: Artificial Intelligence

Asked by Damian HindsConservativeDepartment for Science, Innovation and TechnologyTabled Answered 11 March 2025UIN 34819

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what the remit is of the (a) Information Commissioner's Office and (b) Ofcom for algorithmic recommender systems on social media.

Answered by Feryal Clark

The Information Commissioner’s Office enforces the UK General Data Protection Regulation and the Data Protection Act 2018. Organisations that process personal data through algorithmic recommender systems are subject to the requirements of the data protection legislation.

Under the Online Safety Act, Ofcom can require social media providers to take proportionate steps relating to the design of their service, to help keep users safe. This includes steps relating to content recommender systems.

Both regulators have various audit and enforcement tools, such as the ability to request information from individuals and issue monetary penalties for non-compliance.

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