Live Decisions of Congress 2026

Amended Motion 70

Algorithmic Systems

“That this Congress notes concerns with the use of algorithmic systems and notes that the government should introduce comprehensive legislation regulating the use of algorithmic systems, particularly those deployed in online platforms, political processes, and those that concentrate employer power over workers.

“These technologies pose risks to democratic integrity, transparency, worker’s rights, and public trust. Congress urges the government to adopt mandatory algorithmic impact assessments, transparency registers, and independent oversight mechanisms to ensure these systems are used responsibly and ethically.

“Unregulated algorithms increasingly shape public discourse, influence political outcomes, and contribute to the spread of online hate. These technologies, often deployed without transparency or accountability, pose significant risks to democratic integrity, social cohesion, and public trust.

“It is also becoming increasingly clear that algorithmic work platforms are frustrating workers ability to organise and are shifting the balance further towards employers’ interests at the cost of workers’ rights.

“Congress calls on the General Council to lobby the UK Government to put in place:

• mandatory Algorithmic Impact Assessments to evaluate the societal, ethical, and democratic risks of algorithmic systems prior to deployment;
• public Transparency Registers requiring platforms and developers to disclose the nature, purpose, and functioning of algorithms used in work advertisement, political advertising, content moderation, and recommendation systems;
• independent Oversight Mechanisms establishing regulatory bodies with the authority to audit, investigate, and enforce standards on algorithmic systems, ensuring they are used ethically and responsibly; and
• specific Protections Against Online Hate, including algorithmic profiling safeguards, especially for minors and vulnerable groups, and enforcement of the Online Safety Act provisions.”

Mover: STUC Black Workers’ Conference

Seconder: Pharmacists’ Defence Association (PDA)