2 hrs ago
Australia Proposes Social Media Algorithm Opt-Out Laws
Australia wants social media users to have more control over what appears in their feeds.
People aged over 16 would be able to choose a personalized feed or a feed showing only accounts they follow.
Personalized feeds use computer programs called algorithms to recommend posts.
The proposed rules would also require platforms to protect people under 18 from some harmful content.
This includes material linked to eating disorders, misogyny and glorifying crime.
Companies would need to explain how they reduce risks to Australian users.
Australia’s eSafety regulator could enforce the rules and require some harmful or illegal content to be removed quickly.
Supporters say the plan gives people control, while free-speech critics fear it could lead to censorship.
Australia proposed requiring social media platforms to let users choose between algorithmically personalized feeds and feeds limited to accounts they follow.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the proposed digital duty of care would give Australians greater control over their online experiences.
The rules would require platforms to protect users younger than 18 from harmful content, including material promoting eating disorders, misogyny or crime.
Platforms would have to document measures addressing risks to Australian users, while eSafety could enforce compliance and order swift content removals.
Reported maximum penalties vary between A$100 million and A$109.2 million; the government plans consultation before introducing a bill to Parliament this year.
- Who
- The Australian government, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Communications Minister Anika Wells, social media platforms, users and the eSafety regulator.
- What
- Australia proposed digital duty of care laws requiring platforms to offer a choice between algorithmically recommended feeds and feeds limited to followed accounts.
- Where
- Australia, with the announcement made at Parliament House in Canberra.
- When
- The proposal was announced on Tuesday, September 8; the government said it plans to consult stakeholders and introduce a bill to Parliament this year.
- Why
- The government says the laws would give users more control, improve online safety and make technology companies responsible for harms associated with their platforms.
Government and user-choice supporters
Free-speech and censorship critics
Control over online feeds
Government and user-choice supporters
The government says users should decide whether their feeds use personalized algorithms and that platforms should respect those choices.
Free-speech and censorship critics
Critics warn that expanded government powers over platform content could give authorities too much influence over online speech.
Platform accountability
Government and user-choice supporters
Officials argue technology companies should document how they address risks of harm and face penalties for failing to follow the rules.
Free-speech and censorship critics
Free-speech advocates say strict duties and rapid content-removal notices could produce censorship or excessive removals.
Key facts
- Initiative
- “My Feed, My Way”
- Feed choices
- Users can receive personalized recommendations or posts only from friends and creators they follow.
- Age-related choice
- Communications Minister Anika Wells said Australians over 16 would be able to opt in or out of algorithmic feeds.
- Youth protections
- Platforms would be required to protect users younger than 18 from specified harmful content.
- Reported maximum penalty
- The articles give different figures: A$100 million in one report and A$109.2 million in another.
- Enforcement
- Australia’s eSafety regulator would oversee compliance and could issue notices requiring swift removal of harmful, nudity-related or illegal content.
- Next step
- The government will seek feedback from platforms, industry groups, civil society organizations and advocates before introducing legislation.
- International comparison
- The European Union has required platforms since 2024 to offer an option to switch off profiling.
Quotes
Anthony Albanese
Australia's prime minister
“When it comes to social media, Australians over the age of 16 will be able to opt in or opt out of the algorithm easily. The duty of care will require platforms to give users over 16 choice on what feed they see when they open the app – and to respect that choice.”
thehansindia.com
“For too long, tech companies have been running real-time unregulated product testing on Australians, and their platforms and tools have infiltrated our daily lives in ways we could have never imagined.”
thehansindia.com
Sources
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