This newly emerging industry of algorithmic auditing comes with a growing responsibility: to translate public values like fairness, transparency, and accountability into measurable, tangible audit steps. But just like in the world of finance, audits can become box-ticking exercises. With powerful clients, tight timelines, and fragmented oversight, there is an obvious risk: audit culture may end up diluting the DSA’s promise instead of enforcing it.  

This evening, we’ll explore the promises, challenges, and power dynamics of algorithmic auditing. As part of the ongoing research project Trust in Digital Markets – Keeping Tabs on Systemic Risks, this panel discusses: Who really holds power in this system? Is it even possible to create an oversight infrastructure we can genuinely trust? We’ll explore how both traditional audit firms and AI auditing start-ups, each with their own histories, challenges, and incentives, are moving into the industry of platform auditing.