According to a member of Facebook’s Oversight Board who testified before the UK Parliament, the panel is limited in its ability to review decisions on a case-by-case basis and may seek access to the underlying algorithm. Facebook’s so-called “Supreme Court” is reportedly requesting access to the underlying machine-learning models.
Facebook’s Frustrated Oversight Board May Seek to Examine Its Algorithm (oversight board uk parliamentcamerongizmodo)
Facebook’s Oversight Board has received complaints from users who feel their content is being manipulated by its algorithms. This is an issue that has been debated by the public and has been the subject of a number of legal cases, including several that have been brought before the Federal Communications Commission. While the First Amendment protects speech, Facebook amplifies the most divisive content on its website to attract users and expose them to more advertisements.
The Oversight Board, however, says it has difficulty obtaining information from Facebook. Despite the fact that it is not an official government agency, the Board’s website describes itself as an independent oversight body. Nonetheless, Klonick said that it is difficult to build a distance between Facebook and its watchdog, and that it was difficult to break the bonds between the two.
The Board’s lack of technical expertise raises concerns about its ability to understand Facebook’s algorithms. While Facebook is currently employing thousands of human moderators, the lack of technological expertise among Board members is an obstacle. It’s unclear whether the Board can properly understand Facebook’s algorithm without outside assistance.
If the Board decides to exercise its powers under the FCC’s oversight board, it can demand information from Facebook’s algorithms. The information they gather may help the Oversight Board make recommendations to Facebook. These recommendations would have to be made consistent and relevant.
Some users have criticized Facebook for not taking down enough disinformation and hate speech, and some say that they remove too much legal content. Ultimately, Facebook’s responsibility lies in removing disinformation and hate speech. This Oversight Board may push the company to be less frustrating.
The Board may use its power to investigate algorithms, gathering additional information, and relying on subject matter experts. It may even seek outside research on Facebook’s behalf. The board’s powers may include hiring computer scientists. In addition, Facebook has committed to fund its operations, so they could potentially hire computer scientists.
The board also asked Facebook about its strike system, which is used to censor content. According to the board, the social network has identified five posts that violate community standards. It issued one strike for the August post, but did not explain why other content was deleted. The board has also asked the company to explain their policies on removing content and their penalty policies.
A number of users have expressed frustration with the lack of transparency of Facebook’s algorithm. The company has been criticized for censorship of content and freedom of speech. This scandal has resulted in a new law suit, which is currently pending in the Federal Communications Commission. It is unclear whether the court will approve the lawsuit, but it is certainly in the public’s interest to investigate the issue.
The new policy statement issued by Facebook is a sign of the company’s sensitivity to human rights concerns. It also addresses the treatment of public figures and influential users.
