The right to Öffentlichkeit: Journalism versus algorithmic values

The impact of algorithms on the exercise of human rights and the possible
regulatory implications have recently become important issues. An expert
study by the European Union concluded that all human rights are potentially
impacted by algorithmic systems. Most importantly, the focus is on the right
to Freedom of Information (FOI), as it is unclear how current law is applied to
automated, generated or curated information. It is, however, undisputed that
algorithms are value laden and sometimes value specific interests over others.
Now that algorithms have entered the newsroom, it is essential to find out how
they affect journalistic values. Based on the insights from our research ‘Online
Journalism and Moral Design’, we have reasons to call for vigilance. Our right
to value-free information is being challenged.