We are thrilled to announce the official website launch of ALGEPI, an interdisciplinary 4-year research project (2023-2027) funded by the Research Foundation – Flanders (FWO) (G098223N). ALGEPI, which stands for “understanding ALGorithmic Gatekeepers to promote EPIstemic Welfare”, delves into the intricate dynamics of digital media.

What is ALGEPI?

Due to the overwhelming quantity of digital content, it has become crucial for media content providers (such as Netflix, Spotify, or The New York Times, to name just a few) to incorporate algorithmic gatekeepers which filter, rank and recommend content. ALGEPI is shedding light on these behind-the-scenes players to understand how algorithms are shaping the digital landscape and the way information is produced, distributed, and consumed. How do these algorithms work? In what way are these being used by the media content providers to maximize their impact? What is the user effect and perception? These are some of the questions ALGEPI aims to answer.

Structure of the project

ALGEPI’s research is structured around 3 main Work Packages (WPs):

• WP1 (Conceptualising Epistemic Welfare and Algorithmic Gatekeepers) aims to develop a coherent theoretical framework, drawing from the disciplines represented in the consortium (April 2023 – March 2025).

• WP2 (Understanding the effects of algorithmic gatekeepers on epistemic welfare) tackles the implementation of algorithmic gatekeepers analysing companies’ strategies as well as users’ perceptions of algorithmic gatekeepers (January 2024 – March 2026).

• WP3 (Aligning algorithmic gatekeepers with epistemic welfare) provides interdisciplinary reflection on why and how to adjust and/or complement existing frameworks, considering legal norms and stakeholders’ needs and insights (November 2024 – March 2027).

Who is involved? 

ALGEPI brings together an interdisciplinary team of researchers from various fields, including law, computer science, and communication sciences. This collaboration aims to explore the complex interplay between these knowledge areas, providing a holistic understanding of the challenges and opportunities presented by algorithmic gatekeepers.

ALGEPI partners include:

• Studies in Media Innovation and Technology (imec-SMIT), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Belgium – Project Coordinator.
• Antwerp Media in Society Centre (AMSoC), University of Antwerp, Belgium.
• Centre for IT & IP Law (CiTiP), KU Leuven, Belgium.
• Department of Communication and Media Research (DCM) at the University of Fribourg, Switzerland.
• Human-Centred Interaction Science and Technology (Human-IST) Institute, University of Fribourg, Switzerland.
• Namur Digital Institute (NADI), University of Namur, Belgium.
• Research Centre on Information and Communication (ReSIC), Université Libre de Bruxelles, Belgium.

ALGEPI benefits from the guidance of its Advisory Board, composed of scholars and professionals, all recognized experts on the issue of algorithmic gatekeepers in media ecosystems.

Join us on this journey!

We invite you to stay tuned for updates, follow our progress, and join the conversation about algorithms, media, and their impact in the digital era.

Do you have any questions? Drop us a line!