Following the entry into force of the Digital Services Act (DSA), the EU’s new landmark rules for or a safer and more accountable online environment, the Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC) is setting up a European Centre for Algorithmic Transparency (ECAT).

It will support the enforcement of the new rules with top-level technical and scientific expertise.

The ECAT will have its main seat at the JRC’s Seville site, with staff also located in Brussels and Ispra. It is expected to be fully operational in the first quarter of 2023 and aims at becoming a centre of gravity for the international research in the field, acting as a knowledge hub for vetted researchers analysing data provided under the DSA.

The DSA calls for increased oversight of the algorithmic systems used by very large online platforms and search engines. This includes how they moderate content and propose information to their users. The new Centre will support the Commission in assessing whether the functioning of such algorithms is in line with the risk management obligations under the DSA.

To ensure the Commission is equipped with the best talent in the field, the JRC has launched a recruitment campaign for experts in data science, algorithmic design, algorithmic auditing and other closely linked fields. Applications are open until 9 January 2023. In addition to the recruitment at the JRC, the Commission is also currently recruiting for the DSA team in the Directorate General for Communications Networks, Content and Technology (DG CONNECT).

More information on the Digital Services Act (DSA)

Source: European Commission I Digital (https://bit.ly/3EIqcsf)