Photo credit: Hong Kong Commercial Daily

January 14, in the “foreigners influx” event triggered social social platform content ecological governance of the background of the heated debate, the REDnote timely launch of nine algorithmic governance initiatives, to further implement the algorithm of fairness and impartiality, to promote the content of the good. These initiatives are a positive response to the “Clean Pujiang - Network Platform Algorithm Typical Problems of Governance” special action carried out by the Shanghai Municipal Commission's Office of Internet Information Office and other departments since November 2024, reflecting the innovative practice of Internet platforms in the field of ESG governance.

In recent years, as algorithmic recommendation has become the main way of content distribution on Internet platforms, the problems of “information cocoon”, big data “killing”, and manipulation of hot spots on lists have become more and more prominent. For this reason, the Central Internet Information Office and other four departments jointly deployed, requiring local websites and platforms to carry out self-examination and self-correction. In this context, the nine initiatives launched by REDnote can be said to be timely.

In this round of algorithmic governance reform, REDnote has taken the lead in the industry to establish a complete algorithmic communication mechanism. The platform has gone on-line with the algorithm publicity page to disclose to the public the basic principles and operation mechanism of the algorithm, and has set up a special algorithm line in the service hotline 95013888.

In the future, the platform will also continue to enhance the transparency of the algorithm through various forms such as media communication meetings, expert seminars and user open days. This proactive and open stance has broken the “black box” of the platform's algorithm and made corporate governance more transparent. Similar practices are also common in the global context, such as Facebook (Meta) earlier launched a report on algorithm transparency, which shows the positive transformation of technology companies in corporate governance.

In fact, algorithms are not only a collection of technologies and procedures, but also a tangible embodiment of platform values and social responsibility. When algorithms determine many key aspects such as content distribution, traffic distribution, user experience, etc., what is embodied behind them is the pursuit of values such as fairness, responsibility, and universality by platform enterprises. From this perspective, algorithmic governance has become an important dimension for measuring the ESG performance of Internet enterprises, and is also a key hand for platform enterprises to practice social responsibility.

At the level of social responsibility, REDnote's reform initiatives are quite distinctive. The platform's first account “sincerity score” system assesses user behavior, content quality and other dimensions, and guides the content ecosystem towards goodness through scientific and technological means. At the same time, the platform also pays special attention to the protection of the rights and interests of ordinary creators, and allocates more than half of the daily traffic to creators with less than 1,000 fans, practicing the concept of universal traffic benefit. Through functions such as “content preference adjustment”, the platform further protects users' right to choose recommended content, reflecting the platform's efforts to promote social fairness.

In response to the widespread concern about false content, REDnote has taken a multi-pronged approach to governance. The platform uses big model technology to identify “black and gray production” accounts, and focuses on combating false horizontal evaluation and illegal content. At the same time, in response to the use of AI technology to make up news and fake real people, the platform continues to improve its identification capabilities, and provides convenient labeling tools and reporting channels, inviting users to participate in governance.

With regard to the protection of minors, REDnote has implemented strategies such as “segregation of minors” and “search protection” to build a friendly community for minors. At the same time, the platform has also strengthened the governance of the community atmosphere, attacking others, instigating confrontation and other expressions that undermine the community atmosphere to conduct a comprehensive investigation, in an effort to create a positive and healthy network environment.

It is worth noting that these initiatives of REDnote are not isolated company behaviors, but reflect the new trend of the entire Internet industry in ESG practices. From compliance-oriented to value-oriented, from single governance to multiple participation, Internet platforms are undergoing a profound governance change. By establishing a more transparent algorithmic mechanism, a fairer traffic distribution system, and a better content governance framework, platform companies are redefining their social value.

The relevant person in charge of the Municipal Party Committee's Internet Information Office pointed out that the problem of algorithmic recommendation has a high degree of social concern, a wide range of influence, and a strong reflection from users, which is not only a technical problem, but also the embodiment of value choice and social responsibility. Special governance action will continue until May 2025, the regulatory authorities will be through the acceptance of reports and clues, technical verification, interviews and rectification, on-site inspections and other ways to carry out supervision and supervision, self-check is not serious, rectification is not complete website platform, will be in accordance with the law, the disposal of punishment. This model of combining supervision and active corporate governance is becoming an important driving force for the development of ESG in the Internet industry.

Editor's note:

The algorithmic governance initiative released by REDnote is of great demonstrative significance. Unlike the passive compliance of previous Internet platforms, this reform reflects the initiative of platform companies in ESG governance. It is particularly noteworthy that REDnote closely integrates algorithmic governance with social values, and through innovative mechanisms such as the “Sincerity Score” system and traffic benefits, it specifically implements ESG concepts into platform operations. This combination of technological innovation and social responsibility provides a new way of thinking for the sustainable development of Internet platforms. However, the actual effect of these measures remains to be seen, the key lies in whether the platform can establish a long-term mechanism to ensure that these initiatives really take root.