Algorithms: what if we took back control?

On 2026-06-06

Today, our digital lives are dictated by opaque “recommendation algorithms” that dominate artificial intelligence and social media. Designed by tech giants to serve private interests, they often foster polarization, misinformation, the rise of extremism, and seriously harm mental health. Faced with this reality, a technological resistance is organizing. Citizens and researchers are developing alternatives based on the common good, transparency, and collective intelligence.

Here are three examples :

Tournesol (Sunflower): the recommendation by and for citizens

The French app Tournesol aims to overturn the logic of dominant platforms. Rather than being subjected to choices dictated by profit, this participatory search project allows users to compare videos to identify quality content. The objective is clear: to build a democratic recommendation AI, based on the thoughtful judgments of contributors and not on impulsive reactions. Entirely open-source, Tournesol guarantees complete transparency regarding its algorithms to foster the emergence of a shared informational foundation.

Pol.is: Finding Common Ground

In a climate of often sterile debates, the American platform Pol.is is reinventing participatory democracy. Used worldwide by governments and media outlets, this real-time system uses machine learning to analyze the thoughts of large groups of people. Its strength? Instead of exacerbating conflicts, Pol.is manages to highlight commonalities and consensus among groups with initially polarized positions. It is a powerful tool for transforming discord into constructive dialogue and perhaps an antidote to Trumpism.

Vera: Fact-checking at your fingertips

To combat the scourge of fake news, the Vera app offers a remarkably simple solution. Accessible via WhatsApp or a simple phone call—even without an internet connection—Vera is a "trusted number" dedicated to fact-checking. Connected in real time to over 500 reliable sources and fact-checking websites, it provides sourced answers to calm public debate. Developed by the NGO LaReponse.Tech, Vera embodies ethical technology accessible to all.

Towards a Cooperative Digital World

These tools are not mere gadgets; they are the cornerstones of a more humane digital world. By prioritizing collective intelligence over profit, they align with the values of sharing and social transformation so dear to Cooperative Approaches. It is time to discover and support these digital commons to build a more just and enlightened society.

Dominique BÉNARD

Algorithms: what if we took back control? Algorithmes : et si on reprenait le pouvoir ?