Tech Policy Forum: Recommendation Algorithms, Markets, and Society

Recommendation algorithms shape how billions of people discover information, products, and content every day. They influence political discourse, consumer markets, and children’s online experiences, making them one of the most consequential technologies facing policymakers today. While these systems have generated enormous economic and social benefits, they have also raised significant questions regarding transparency, competition, platform accountability, and public safety. The Block Center for Technology and Society at Carnegie Mellon University will convene its second Tech Policy Forum to examine the policy and managerial implications of recommendation algorithms. Bringing together leading researchers and policymakers, the Forum will provide an evidence-based, nonpartisan venue for discussing emerging research and begin identifying practical policy approaches that balance innovation with the public interest. Intended to bridge the gap between academic research and policymaking, the Forum will highlight the latest empirical evidence while fostering constructive dialogue across sectors on some of the most pressing challenges surrounding algorithmic recommendation systems. The Forum will feature three moderated panel discussions. Politics, Public Discourse, and the Online Information Ecosystem Ranking, Competition, and Platform Power Young Users and Age-Appropriate Design