Tech Policy Form: Recommendation Algorithms, Markets, and Society

Recommendation algorithms shape how billions of people discover information, products, and content every day. They influence political discourse, consumer markets, and children's online experiences, making them one of the most consequential technologies facing policymakers today. While these systems have generated enormous economic and social benefits, they have also raised significant questions regarding transparency, competition, platform accountability, and public safety.

The Block Center for Technology and Society at Carnegie Mellon University will convene its second Tech Policy Forum to examine the policy and managerial implications of recommendation algorithms. Bringing together leading researchers and policymakers, the Forum will provide an evidence-based, nonpartisan venue for discussing emerging research and begin identifying practical policy approaches that balance innovation with the public interest.

Intended to bridge the gap between academic research and policymaking, the Forum will highlight the latest empirical evidence while fostering constructive dialogue across sectors on some of the most pressing challenges surrounding algorithmic recommendation systems.

The Forum will feature three moderated panel discussions.

Politics, Public Discourse, and the Online Information Ecosystem
Ranking, Competition, and Platform Power
Young Users and Age-Appropriate Design

Registration is required. Space is limited.

Doors Open & Breakfast, 9:00AM

Opening & Framing Remarks, 9:15AM

Kirsten Martin, Dean, Heinz College of Information Systems and Public Policy

Ananya Sen, Associate Professor, Heinz College of Information Systems and Public Policy

"Politics, Public Discourse, and the Online Information Ecosystem", 9:25AM

Ceren Budak, Associate Professor of Information, School of Information and Faculty Associate, Center for Political Studies, Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan

Filipe Campante, Bloomberg Distinguished Professor, Johns Hopkins University (SAIS and Carey Business School)

Yphtach Lelkes, Michael X. Delli Carpini Professor of Communication; Co-Director, Polarization Research Lab; Co-Director, Center for Information Networks and Democracy, University of Pennsylvania

Moderator: Thomas Costello, Assistant Professor in Social and Decision Sciences, Carnegie Mellon University

Coffee Break, 10:40AM

"Ranking, Competition, and Platform Power", 10:45AM

Chiara Farronato, Glenn and Mary Jane Creamer Associate Professor of Business Administration, Harvard Business School

Arun Sundarajan, Harold Price Professor of Entrepreneurship and Professor of Technology, Operations, and Statistics, New York University’s (NYU) Stern School of Business; Director, Fubon Center for Technology, Business and Innovation

Joel Waldfogel, Professor, Frederick R. Kappel Chair in Applied Economics, Strategic Management & Entrepreneurship

Moderator: Param Vir Singh, Carnegie Bosch Professor of Business Technologies and Marketing, Tepper School of Business, CMU

Lunch, 12PM

“Young Users and Age-Appropriate Design”, 1:30PM

Alexis Hiniker, Associate Professor, Ph.D. Program Chair, University of Washington’s Information School

Samantha Keppler, Assistant Professor of Technology and Operations, University of Michigan

Lena Song, Assistant Professor, University of Illinois

Moderator: Vikram Bhargava,Assistant Professor of Strategic Management & Public Policy, GW School of Business

Closing Remarks, 2:45PM

Speaker to be announced soon!

Registration is now live!