电商平台算法歧视的困境与出路

The Dilemma and Way out of Algorithmic Discrimination on E-Commerce Platforms

摘要: 大数据的发展，使得算法技术获得了极大的生命力，在商业领域中得到深度运用。算法技术依托于海量的大数据，对其进行处理、分类，最终较精准的描绘出属于个体的“数字画像”。在为用户提供低成本的快捷时，同样带来了危机和挑战。即使作为中立工具的算法技术，由于网络用户对平台搜索的依赖性以及信息渠道的单一性，衍生出了算法歧视问题。在算法歧视下，电商平台制造不平等博弈环境使得市场的自治、平等理念受到挑战、激化了社会矛盾。对算法歧视的规制刻不容缓。但由于我国实践中对算法歧视定义的泛化以及算法歧视自身隐蔽性、壁垒性所带来的算法黑箱问题，导致我国目前就算法歧视问题治理的薄弱。在此困境下，现应厘清算法歧视的定义，从而使反歧视规制得到更好的落实以回应社会需要。

Abstract: The development of big data has made algorithmic technology gain great vitality, and it has been deeply utilized in the business field. Algorithmic technology relies on the huge amount of big data, processing, categorization, and ultimately more accurate portrayal of individual “digital portrait”. While providing users with low-cost speed, it also brings crises and challenges. Even as a neutral tool, algorithmic technology has given rise to the problem of algorithmic discrimination due to the dependence of network users on platform search and the singularity of information channels. Under algorithmic discrimination, e-commerce platforms create an unequal gaming environment that challenges the concept of market autonomy and equality and intensifies social conflicts. The regulation of algorithmic discrimination should not be delayed. However, due to the generalization of the definition of algorithmic discrimination in China’s practice, as well as the algorithmic black box problem brought by the hidden nature and barriers of algorithmic discrimination itself, the governance of algorithmic discrimination in China is currently weak. In this difficult situation, the definition of algorithmic discrimination should be clarified, so that the anti-discrimination regulation can be better implemented to respond to the needs of society.