Algorithms determine large parts of our media consumption online, be it in production, in processing or in exchange between users. The introduction of the database of "hashes" of Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Microsoft in March 2017 is an example on the basis of which a close examination can be made. In this database, digital fingerprints (so-called "hashes") of content marked as "terrorist" or "extremist" are collected. The aim is to combat terrorism propaganda online more efficiently. However, this filtering system raises important questions for the exercise of the freedom of expression and information.
This article examines the potential threat of intelligent filters to freedom of communication (freedom of expression and information) using upload filters in information intermediaries as an example.
Heldt, A. P. (2018): Intelligente Upload-Filter: Bedrohung für die Meinungsfreiheit? [Intelligent Upload Filters: Threat to Freedom of Expression?], In: Mohabbat Kar, Resa, Thapa, Basanta E.P., Parycek, Peter (eds.) 2018. "(Un)Berechenbar? Algorithmen und Automatisierung in Staat und Gesellschaft [(Un)Predictable? Altgorithms and Automatisation in State and Society]". Berlin: Kompetenzzentrum Öffentliche IT ÖFIT, Fraunhofer Institute for Open Communication Systems (FOKUS) (online).
