Platform power: Risks for media and democracy in the focus of the EMEK
The Federal Media Commission (FMC) analyzes the market and opinion power of online platforms and calls for a holistic governance strategy to protect the media, the public and democracy.
According to the Federal Media Commission (FMEC), the increasing dominance of online platforms poses a threat to the media landscape and the democratic formation of opinion. Platforms such as search engines, social networks and video sharing services use their algorithms to determine what content is visible. The companies behind these platforms primarily pursue commercial interests. "The same few companies have enormous market power and power of opinion at the same time. This is worrying for the formation of public opinion in a democratic society," emphasizes Anna Jobin, President of the EMEK.
Market and opinion power of the platforms
The market power of platforms not only leads to dependencies between media, advertisers and users, but also harbors the risk of abuse. Platform companies can favor their own products or unilaterally change terms of use. At the same time, their power of opinion influences how users perceive social problems, evaluate information and form opinions. "The content curated by algorithms does not serve democratic or journalistic values, but is intended to maximize the time spent on the platform," explains Manuel Puppis, Vice President of EMEK.
The platforms' power of opinion is also strengthened by their influence on politics, education, research and society. Technology companies finance research projects, provide software solutions for public institutions and invest heavily in lobbying. According to EMEK, these far-reaching interdependencies have hardly been discussed publicly to date.
Holistic strategy for Switzerland
In order to limit the impact of these developments, the EMCC calls for a comprehensive strategy for the governance of platforms. This strategy should comprise several building blocks:
- Regulation of market power
The FMEC proposes adapting competition law to the platform economy, for example through specific regulations for gatekeeper platforms with market power. - Governance of algorithms
Algorithms should be made transparent and explainable. Obligations for risk impact assessment and consideration of democratic values are necessary. Non-commercial alternatives should also be promoted. - Strengthening social supervision
Independent supervisory bodies should guarantee access to relevant platform data and monitor compliance with democratic standards. - Regulation of artificial intelligence
AI systems used by platforms should be regulated along the entire value chain. Fundamental rights must be guaranteed. - Promotion of media and digital skills
Users should be made aware of how to use digital platforms in order to better recognize disinformation and algorithmic distortions.
An appeal for democracy
The FMEC sees the consultation draft announced by the Federal Council for a federal law on communication platforms as an important step, but emphasizes that a more comprehensive approach is necessary. The proposed measures should help to shape the platform economy in Switzerland in a democratic manner and protect freedom of expression.
In its report, the EMEC calls on politicians, society and the media alike to address the risks and potential of platform power and to develop joint solutions.