So how does that neural network perform that task? There I can see only two possible options:

• magic
• an algorithm

Is sort by upvotes an algorithm?

Any sorting at all can only happen through one of the following:

• luck
• magic
• divine intervention
• an algorithm

Any meaningful answer to this question will require knowing where you live, for the powers of governments, the legal systems, your rights as a citizen and your possibilities of claiming those rights against the government all vary wildly all over the world.