An independent audit evaluates an organization’s systems or compliance through an assessor sufficiently separate from the organization being evaluated. In digital governance, third-party audits provide external scrutiny rather than relying only on a platform’s own claims. section 10.30
The European Union’s Digital Services Act requires very large online platforms and search engines to assess risks, describe mitigation efforts, and undergo third-party compliance audits. The arrangement links external evaluation with transparency and algorithmic accountability. section 10.30
Auditing a large platform
A very large online platform might have to document risks from an algorithmic recommendation system, explain mitigation measures, and submit evidence of compliance to an external auditor. Risks such as disinformation can lead to regulatory consequences. section 10.30
