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Algorithmic regulation: A maturing concept for investigating regulation of and through algorithms

Author

Listed:
  • Lena Ulbricht
  • Karen Yeung

Abstract

This paper offers a critical synthesis of the articles in this Special Issue with a view to assessing the concept of “algorithmic regulation” as a mode of social coordination and control articulated by Yeung in 2017. We highlight significant changes in public debate about the role of algorithms in society occurring in the last five years. We also highlight prominent themes that emerge from the contributions, illuminating what is distinctive about the concept of algorithmic regulation, reflecting upon some of its strengths, limitations, and its relationship with the broader research field. In closing, we argue that the core concept is valuable and maturing. It has evolved into an analytical bridge that fosters cross‐disciplinary development and analysis in ways that enrich its early “skeletal” form, thereby enabling careful and context‐sensitive analysis of algorithmic regulation in concrete settings while facilitating critical reflection concerning the legitimacy of existing and proposed regulatory regimes.

Suggested Citation

  • Lena Ulbricht & Karen Yeung, 2022. "Algorithmic regulation: A maturing concept for investigating regulation of and through algorithms," Regulation & Governance, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 16(1), pages 3-22, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:reggov:v:16:y:2022:i:1:p:3-22
    DOI: 10.1111/rego.12437
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Tobias D. Krafft & Katharina A. Zweig & Pascal D. König, 2022. "How to regulate algorithmic decision‐making: A framework of regulatory requirements for different applications," Regulation & Governance, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 16(1), pages 119-136, January.
    2. Nicolas Bocquet, 2026. "Caught Between Privacy and Surveillance: Explaining the Long‐Term Stagnation of Data Protection Regulation in Liberal Democracies," Regulation & Governance, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 20(2), pages 652-667, April.
    3. Florian Eyert & Florian Irgmaier & Lena Ulbricht, 2022. "Extending the framework of algorithmic regulation. The Uber case," Regulation & Governance, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 16(1), pages 23-44, January.
    4. Bryce Clayton Newell, 2023. "Surveillance as information practice," Journal of the Association for Information Science & Technology, Association for Information Science & Technology, vol. 74(4), pages 444-460, April.
    5. Tony Porter & Hina Rani, 2024. "Legitimacy and space in the use of technologies for environmental and social governance: The cases of human trafficking and COVID-19 contact tracing," Environment and Planning C, , vol. 42(5), pages 725-741, August.
    6. Teichmann, Fabian & Boticiu, Sonia & Sergi, Bruno S., 2023. "RegTech – Potential benefits and challenges for businesses," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 72(C).
    7. Mahmoud Abdulhadi Alabdali & Sami A. Khan & Muhammad Zafar Yaqub & Mohammed Awad Alshahrani, 2024. "Harnessing the Power of Algorithmic Human Resource Management and Human Resource Strategic Decision-Making for Achieving Organizational Success: An Empirical Analysis," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(11), pages 1-30, June.
    8. Andreas Öjehag‐Pettersson & Vanja Carlsson & Malin Rönnblom, 2024. "Political studies of automated governing: A bird's eye (re)view," Regulation & Governance, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 18(4), pages 1049-1064, October.
    9. Inga Ulnicane & Tero Erkkilä, 2023. "Politics and policy of Artificial Intelligence," Review of Policy Research, Policy Studies Organization, vol. 40(5), pages 612-625, September.

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