破解算法侵权责任界定的中立性难题——以“算法推荐第一案”为切入点

Solving the Neutrality Problem of Defining the Liability of Algorithmic Tort:From the Perspective of the First Case of Algorithmic Recommendation

“算法推荐第一案”是我国算法侵权责任界定的代表性案例,法院通过对技术中立原则的阐释,主张采用算法推荐的平台承担帮助侵权责任,但在逻辑上难以自洽,引发技术中立原则对于算法侵权责任界定的可适用性质疑。对此问题的回答需要检视“技术中立”概念的正当性并理解算法侵权问题的特殊性所在。技术具有独特的意向结构,在价值上并非中立,“技术中立”是个伪概念。从技术哲学视角出发,算法不同于农业社会和工业社会的典型技术,其运行的高度自主性、主体控制的间接性和算法侵权后果的严重性对平台侵权责任的界定提出了特殊要求。因此,算法侵权的责任界定应当摒弃“技术中立”思维,引入“算法向善”理念,回归侵权法过错归责框架,个案中算法平台注意义务的界定需要综合考虑算法平台性质、算法应用场景以及信息管理能力等三类因素。

The first case of algorithmic recommendation is a representative case of defining the liability of algorithmic infringement in China.In this case,the court decided that the algorithmic recommendation service provider should bear the responsibility of contributory infringement through the interpretation of the principle of technological neutrality.However,the court's reasoning is logically inconsistent which raises the question of the applicability of the principle of technological neutrality to the definition of algorithmic infringement liability.The answer to this question requires a review of the legitimacy of the concept of"technological neutrality"and an understanding of the specificity of algorithmic infringement.Technology has a unique intentional structure and is not valueneutral.The high degree of autonomy of algorithm operation,the indirectness of subject control and the seriousness of the consequences of algorithm infringement impose special requirements on the definition of liability for algorithm infringement.Therefore,the definition of liability for algorithmic infringement should abandon"technological neutrality",introduce the concept of"algorithm for good"and return to the framework of fault liability in tort law.The duty of care of the algorithm platform shall consider the nature of platform,the application scenario and the information managementability.