Thread

1. Buttons840 · 1790132383 · focus · HN ↗

   What is an "algorithm"? Showing the 20 most recent posts is an algorithm, but I doubt that's what they're targeting with the law.

   I'm not just trying to find a technical gotcha here. I think it's worth identifying what exactly about an "algorithm" causes it to cross the line and become harmful.

   When does an algorithm become harmful?

   When it is designed and optimized to maximize the amount of time it engages the user?

   What about an algorithm that was optimized the present the user with content they would find interesting? That doesn't sound so bad on the surface.

   What about an algorithm that maximizes the amount of ads people see? Or the amount of money that the company makes?

   1. Gigachad · 1790137192 · focus · HN ↗

      I'm sure the final law will outline the specific details. But the intent of the law is not algorithms in a computer science definition, but modern recommendation engines.

      Showing a chronological feed of accounts you have followed in this case would be non algorithmic. This is how all social media worked before the modern hellscape we are in.

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