A recent study conducted by Finnish fact-checking service Faktabaari and Helsinki-based company CheckFirst has revealed that YouTube’s recommendation algorithm exhibited political bias by favoring right-wing content during Finland’s 2024 elections. This discovery comes despite recent changes made to the algorithm.
The study analyzed YouTube’s “Up Next” category, which suggests the next video to play, and search recommendations for political terms. Data was collected from 10 locations in Finland between January 24 and February 11, 2024, focusing on 77 Finnish words connected to key election topics.
The findings indicate that YouTube’s recommendation system prominently promotes videos related to the Finns Party, a right-wing political party. While only 6.4% of the videos from search results mentioned politicians from the Finns Party, 19.3% of the first “Up Next” recommendations were related to its politicians.
This bias towards right-wing content raises concerns, particularly in light of the upcoming European Parliament elections and multiple elections across European countries. EU regulators have identified combating political bias as a top priority.
The Digital Services Act (DSA), which took effect in February 2023, aims to improve the transparency of recommendation algorithms used by major digital platforms, including Google, YouTube’s parent company. The act requires these platforms to conduct annual assessments of systemic risks, including potential adverse effects on electoral procedures.
However, Faktabaari and CheckFirst argue that these risk assessments should be made public or available for review by independent observers. This would ensure greater transparency and accountability in addressing political bias and potential manipulation of content during election periods.
While YouTube claims it promptly removes content violating its policies, irrespective of the speaker’s political views, the study highlights the need for continuous monitoring and oversight to address the significant impact that recommendation algorithms can have on shaping political discourse.
By shedding light on the biases within YouTube’s algorithm, this study emphasizes the importance of transparent and unbiased digital platforms in a democratic society. It calls for collective efforts from regulators, independent organizations, and platforms themselves to ensure fair and balanced access to information during electoral processes.
FAQ
Q: What did the study find regarding YouTube’s recommendation algorithm during Finland’s 2024 elections?
A: The study found that YouTube’s recommendation algorithm exhibited a clear political bias by favoring right-wing content during the elections.
Q: How did the study analyze YouTube’s recommendations?
A: The study analyzed the “Up Next” category, which suggests the next video to play, and search recommendations for political terms.
Q: Which party did YouTube’s algorithm prominently promote?
A: YouTube’s algorithm prominently promoted videos related to the right-wing Finns Party.
Q: Why is this bias concerning?
A: This bias raises concerns, especially with upcoming European Parliament elections and elections in other European countries. Regulators aim to address political bias and ensure fair access to information.
Q: What does the Digital Services Act (DSA) address?
A: The DSA aims to improve transparency in recommendation algorithms used by major digital platforms and requires annual assessments of potential risks, including adverse effects on electoral procedures.
Sources:
[1] Euractiv
Definitions:
– Fact-checking service: An organization or service that verifies the accuracy of statements, claims, or information presented as factual.
– Recommendation algorithm: A program or system used by digital platforms, such as YouTube, to suggest content to users based on their preferences, viewing history, and other factors.
– Right-wing: In politics, refers to a political ideology or movement that favors traditional values, limited government intervention, and conservative policies.
– Up Next: A category on YouTube that suggests the next video to play based on the user’s current video selection.
Suggested related links:
– YouTube
– Google
– European Commission