Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what the remit is of the (a) Information Commissioner's Office and (b) Ofcom for algorithmic recommender systems on social media.

The Information Commissioner’s Office enforces the UK General Data Protection Regulation and the Data Protection Act 2018. Organisations that process personal data through algorithmic recommender systems are subject to the requirements of the data protection legislation.

Under the Online Safety Act, Ofcom can require social media providers to take proportionate steps relating to the design of their service, to help keep users safe. This includes steps relating to content recommender systems.

Both regulators have various audit and enforcement tools, such as the ability to request information from individuals and issue monetary penalties for non-compliance.