Trusting the algorithm: transparency, information control and continuance intention in China's digital building permit systems

Digitalization is transforming building permit systems, especially in China, yet the determinants of sustained engagement with algorithm-driven platforms remain unclear. This study examines how algorithmic transparency and perceived AI fairness influence continuance intention, with algorithmic trust and perceived information control as mediators, and AI literacy and institutional trust as moderators. Survey data from 468 Chinese construction professionals were analysed using PLS-SEM. Results show that transparency and fairness significantly enhance trust and control, which in turn predict continuance intention. Mediation confirms trust and control as critical pathways from design to sustained use. Moderation reveals that AI literacy strengthens the transparency-trust link, and institutional trust amplifies the trust-continuance relationship. These findings extend technology acceptance and algorithmic governance theories by demonstrating how design, competence and institutional context jointly shape behaviour in regulatory settings. For policymakers and designers, this highlights the need for transparent algorithms, user control features and legitimate institutions to build accepted digital building permit systems.