Will China’s algorithm crackdown serve its citizens or the state?

By Matthew Sparkes

China has drafted powerful new legislation that would control how businesses use data to target advertising, curate social media feeds and recommend content. The government says the move will safeguard national security and protect citizens’ rights, but critics point out that the state will be able to delve into companies’ source code for monitoring and enforcement.

The current draft mandates that algorithms should “actively spread positive energy” and must not disrupt the social order. It also prohibits algorithms …