Archive · 9 Sep 2026
Australia Proposes New Social Media Algorithm Choice Rules
Australia wants people to have more control over their social media feeds.
People over 16 could choose a feed recommended by an algorithm.
They could instead see posts only from friends and creators they follow.
Social media companies would have to clearly explain this choice to new and existing users.
The companies would also have to protect children under 18 from harmful material.
This includes content linked to eating disorders, pornography, bullying, dangerous stunts and glorified crime.
Online games, apps and some artificial-intelligence chatbots could also have to limit addictive features for children.
Supporters say the proposal gives users control, while critics worry that removal powers could lead to censorship.
Draft laws would let users over 16 choose algorithmic feeds or posts only from followed accounts.
Platforms would have to notify new and existing users and respect their feed preference.
A broader Digital Duty of Care would protect under-18s from harmful content and addictive design features.
The eSafety Commissioner would enforce the rules and issue notices for swift removal of certain harmful or illegal content.
Maximum penalties are reported differently, at up to A$100 million or A$109.2 million, with consultation planned before legislation reaches Parliament.
- Who
- The Australian Government, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Communications Minister Anika Wells, digital-service companies, users and the eSafety Commissioner.
- What
- The government proposed Digital Duty of Care laws giving users over 16 a choice between personalized algorithmic feeds and feeds limited to accounts they follow.
- When
- The proposal was announced on Tuesday, September 8; the government plans consultation and expects to introduce a bill to Parliament this year.
- Where
- Australia, with the announcement made in Canberra and at Parliament House.
- Why
- The government says the measures would give users more control online, hold technology companies responsible for platform-related harms and improve online safety.
Government and online-safety supporters
Industry and free-speech critics
User control
Government and online-safety supporters
The government says users should decide whether their feeds use personalized algorithms and that platforms must respect those choices.
Industry and free-speech critics
Critics caution that government rules over feed design could influence what legal adults see online.
Content removal
Government and online-safety supporters
Supporters say the eSafety Commissioner needs stronger powers to require rapid removal of harmful, nudity-related and illegal content.
Industry and free-speech critics
Free-speech advocates warn that rapid removal notices could result in excessive removals or censorship.
Value of algorithms
Government and online-safety supporters
Supporters argue that opting out can reduce unwanted exposure and give users a less actively curated feed.
Industry and free-speech critics
Industry representatives say recommendation systems help users discover educational content, niche communities, smaller creators and useful material, and warn that non-curated feeds could be less effective.
- Initiative
- The proposed user-choice measures are called “My Feed, My Way.”
- Feed options
- Users could opt in to personalized algorithmic recommendations or see content from friends and creators they choose to follow.
- Notification requirement
- Platforms would have to notify both new and existing users about the choice over their default feed.
- Youth protections
- Digital services, including online games, apps and some artificial-intelligence chatbots, would have to protect under-18s from specified harmful content and negative design features.
- Examples of harmful content
- The proposal identifies eating-disorder content, hostility toward women, pornography, glorified crime, dangerous stunts, abuse, bullying and severe mental distress.
- Enforcement
- The eSafety Commissioner would oversee compliance and could issue notices requiring swift removal of harmful, nudity-related or illegal content.
- Potential penalties
- Articles report maximum penalties ranging from A$100 million to A$109.2 million.
- Next step
- The government will seek feedback from platforms, industry groups, civil-society organizations and advocates before introducing the bill.
Sources
Australian PM announces opt-out laws for social media algorithms
Australians To Be Given Choice To Switch Off Social Media Algorithms
Australian social media users to be offered choice to opt out of algorithms
Australia picks new fight with social media cos? Labour govt proposes legislation to allow users to decide algorithm
Big blow to Big Tech as Australia pushes to switch off social media algorithms: How this will work
