A call to action: Designing a more transparent online world for children and young people

Abstract

This paper reports on a qualitative research study that explored the practical and emotional experiences of young people aged 13–17 using algorithmically-mediated online platforms. It demonstrates an RI-based methodology for responsible two-way dialogue with the public, through listening to young people's needs and responding to their concerns. Participants discussed in detail how online algorithms work, enabling the young people to reflect, question, and develop their own critiques on issues related to the use of internet technologies. The paper closes with action areas from the young people for a fairer, usefully transparent and more responsible online environment. These actions include a desire to be informed about what data (both personal and situational) is collected and how, and who uses it and why, and policy recommendations for meaningful algorithmic transparency and accountability. Finally, participants claimed that whilst transparency is an important first principle, they also need more control over how platforms use the information they collect from users, including more regulation to ensure transparency is both meaningful and sustained.

Keywords

• Children and young people
• Algorithmic transparency
• Digital technologies
• Responsible innovation
• Qualitative research