§1.3.3 The right level of detail

22. The descriptions given by providers in accordance with Article 5 should provide real added-value to the users concerned. Articles 5(1) and (2) require that providers give information not only of the main parameters, but also the reasons for the relative importance of those main parameters as opposed to other parameters. In addition, pursuant to Article 5(5), the users should be enabled to obtain an ‘adequate understanding’ of whether and if so, how and to what extent three particular factors are taken into account (5). This means that the description to be provided has to go beyond a simple enumeration of the main parameters, and provide at least a ‘second layer’ of explanatory information (6). Providers could, for example, consider describing the company-internal ‘thought process’ that was used for identifying the ‘main parameters’, as a way to also derive the ‘reasons for their relative importance’. 23. Recital 27 clarifies that the description required may be general, but that it should give users an adequate understanding and, moreover, should at least be based on ‘actual data on the relevance of the ranking parameters used’. That Recital also clarifies that, whilst disclosing the detailed functioning of ranking mechanisms, including algorithms, is not required, providers’ commercials interests cannot justify a refusal to disclose the main parameters determining ranking in accordance with Article 5. 24. Under Article 5(1) and (2), the description to be given by providers must relate to all main parameters determining, respectively that are most significant for, ranking. Therefore, this obligation applies also in respect of factors such as temporary changes, randomness or personalisation, in as far as such factors constitute main parameters. 25. However, an excess of information can mean that, in effect, no meaningful information is provided to users. Providers should accordingly on the one hand identify and adequately explain the main ranking parameters, whilst on the other hand not overwhelm users with too lengthy or complicated descriptions, or descriptions of parameters other than the main ones. Not providing excessive details should also help avoid the risk of enabling the deception of consumers or consumer harm, as referred to in Article 5(6).

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Source: EUR-Lex (Cellar) · retrieved 2026-09-07