2 hrs ago
Australia Proposes Social Media Algorithm Opt-Out Choices for Users
Australia wants to give social media users more control over their feeds.
People aged 16 and older could choose a feed customized by a computer algorithm.
They could also choose to see posts only from friends and creators they follow.
The government says this will make large technology companies more responsible.
New users and existing users would receive a notification about these choices.
The proposal would also protect children from harmful content and unsafe online designs.
Australia already passed a law banning children under 16 from having accounts on major social media platforms.
Companies that break the proposed rules could face very large fines.
Australia’s proposed laws would let social media users over 16 choose whether algorithms personalize their default feeds.
Users could instead view posts only from friends and creators they choose to follow.
The legislation would require platforms to protect children from harmful content, including pornography, dangerous stunts and material promoting eating disorders.
Online games, apps and artificial intelligence chatbots would also have to address addictive features and designs that harm children’s self-esteem.
Platforms that fail to comply could face penalties of up to 109.2 million Australian dollars ($78.6 million).
- Who
- The Australian government, led by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, and social media platforms.
- What
- The government announced proposed Digital Duty of Care laws giving users feed choices and requiring stronger protections for children online.
- Where
- Canberra, Australia, with the rules applying to covered digital services in Australia.
- When
- The proposal was announced Tuesday; Australia introduced its under-16 social media account ban in December of the previous year.
- Why
- To give users more control over recommended content, hold technology companies accountable and reduce children’s exposure to harmful content and design features.
Key facts
- Proposed legislation
- Digital Duty of Care legislation
- Algorithm choice
- Users over 16 could choose personalized recommendations or content from accounts they follow.
- User notification
- Platforms would notify new and existing users about their feed options.
- Child protections
- The proposal covers content involving eating disorders, hostility toward women, pornography, crime, dangerous stunts and serious mental health distress.
- Other services covered
- Online games, apps and artificial intelligence chatbots would also have to address harmful design features.
- Maximum penalty
- Up to 109.2 million Australian dollars ($78.6 million).
- Existing age restriction
- A December law bans children younger than 16 from holding accounts on major platforms including Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.
Quotes
Anthony Albanese
Australia’s prime minister
“We’ll require social media platforms to provide user empowerment tools that give people over the age of 16 genuine and enduring choice about what they see in their feeds.”
livemint.com
“It gives users choice and it will hold the big tech companies responsible for inaction. If they don’t follow our laws, they will face significant penalties.”
livemint.com
Sources
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