end of anonymity on social networks and transparent algorithms

The President of the Government, Pedro Sánchez, has just proposed in Davos to end anonymity on social networks, and that their owners be criminally responsible for the content published on them, according to the live coverage he is doing. The Country of the Forum.

Why is it important. The proposal, which at the moment is nothing more than that, seeks to stop the toxic effect of networks on democracy, according to Sánchez.

The context. Sánchez has accused the platform owners of wanting to “have political power by undermining our democratic institutions.” His plan includes three main measures:

1. End anonymity on social networks.
2. Force transparency of algorithms.
3. Criminal liability for owners.

Between the lines. The proposal is striking but not entirely new. A few months ago, the Spanish Prosecutor’s Office proposed ending anonymity to investigate hate crimesin a reissue of the Gag Law who has been with us for years.

To a similar extent, Italy approved a law a few days ago which requires identification in order to publish restaurant reviews, with the intention of tackling the problem of fake reviews.

The obstacles. The technical implementation, as has been discussed with each proposal similar to this one, represents a significant challenge. public networks, VPNs or the Tor browser These are the most common ways to bypass this type of identity checks.

We have a similar precedent with the ‘pajaporte‘in Spain: its scope, very limitedis another example of the complexity of regulating identity on the Internet.

In perspective. Although the political will seems clear, we do not know to what extent this measure is planned to be implemented as such, and to what extent it is little more than a probe balloon… although it is not the first time we have heard such an idea.

“Just as the owner of a restaurant is responsible if his customers are poisoned, the owners must be responsible if their networks poison the public debate,” Sánchez argued in Davos.

Go deeper. The proposal will reach the European Council, where Sánchez will seek for states to “regain control” so that social networks help democracy instead of endangering it.

The initiative poses a dilemma between network regulation, privacy and freedom of expression. And what emerges from here will be what shapes the Internet of tomorrow.

In Xataka | Being asked for a copy of the DNI is now common. This is how the Police recommend modifying it before sharing it

Featured image | Moncloa