Source URL: https://algorithmwatch.org/en/civil-society-statement-on-meaningful-transparency-of-risk-assessments-under-the-digital-services-act/
Source: AlgorithmWatch
Title: Civil society statement on meaningful transparency of risk assessments under the Digital Services Act
Feedly Summary: This joint statement is also available as PDF-File. Meaningful transparency of risk assessments and audits enables external stakeholders, including civil society organisations, researchers, journalists, and people impacted by systemic risks, to scrutinise the assessment and ensure it is more than merely a “tick box” exercise. Transparency is crucial for explaining how exactly the risk assessment […]
AI Summary and Description: Yes
Summary: The provided text is a comprehensive discussion on the need for transparency in risk assessments and audits for Very Large Online Platforms (VLOPs) and Very Large Online Search Engines (VLOSEs) in accordance with the Digital Services Act (DSA). It emphasizes the importance of publishing detailed methodologies and engagement processes with external stakeholders to assess systemic risks effectively.
Detailed Description: The text outlines the requirements and expectations for VLOPs and VLOSEs in conducting and publishing risk assessments as mandated by the Digital Services Act (DSA). This is significant in the context of security and compliance as it addresses how platforms should manage systemic risks associated with their services, particularly from an algorithmic perspective.
Key Points:
– **Transparency and Scrutiny**:
– The joint statement advocates for open visibility into how risk assessments inform the design and development of algorithmic systems.
– External stakeholders, like civil society organizations, must have access to this information to conduct meaningful scrutiny.
– **Mandatory Reporting**:
– As per Article 42(4) of the DSA, platforms must provide thorough documentation on their risk assessment processes, including results and mitigation strategies.
– The DSA encourages comprehensive reporting on risk assessments to ensure accountability.
– **Stakeholder Involvement**:
– VLOPs and VLOSEs are expected to detail their engagement processes with various external stakeholders, emphasizing cooperative approaches to identify and mitigate risks.
– These consultations must be transparent and informative, impacting future risk assessments.
– **Detailed Methodology**:
– A clear definition of risk assessment methodologies is required, including scope, metrics, and criteria for systemic risk classification.
– Platforms must explain their processes for addressing false positives and false negatives in risk identification.
– **Publication of Audit Findings**:
– Platforms should publish full audit reports and the specifics of what recommendations were implemented or disregarded, fostering greater trust and accountability.
– **Future Improvements**:
– Platforms are encouraged to communicate planned changes to risk assessment and audit processes based on lessons learned, promoting a cycle of continuous improvement.
– **Signatories**:
– The statement includes endorsements from multiple advocacy organizations, emphasizing cross-sector collaboration in pushing for higher standards of transparency and accountability in digital services.
This insight into the operational expectations for VLOPs and VLOSEs not only illustrates compliance with legal mandates but also has broader implications for security protocols in handling user data, mitigating systemic risks, and fostering stakeholder engagement. For professionals involved in AI security, cloud computing, and compliance, this emphasizes the growing importance of integrated risk management frameworks that respond to regulatory requirements while enhancing trust with users and stakeholders.