The Australian government has announced proposed legislation that would grant social media users the ability to opt out of algorithms, providing individuals with greater control over the content displayed in their digital feeds. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated in Canberra that the government intends to require platforms to implement tools that offer users over the age of 16 a genuine and enduring choice regarding their feed preferences.
Under the proposed Digital Duty of Care legislation, social media companies would be mandated to notify both new and existing users, offering them a clear choice between their default feed—which utilizes personalized content recommendations via algorithms—or a feed consisting of content from friends and creators they have chosen to follow. The Prime Minister emphasized that this move is designed to hold major technology companies accountable for inaction, noting that failure to comply with the new laws could result in significant penalties, potentially reaching up to 109.2 million Australian dollars, or approximately $78.6 million.
Beyond user control, the legislation seeks to enhance online safety for children. The proposed rules would require digital services, including artificial intelligence chatbots, apps, and online games, to protect younger users from design features that negatively impact behavior, such as those affecting self-esteem or encouraging addictive habits. Furthermore, the law would aim to shield children from content promoting eating disorders, pornography, crime, dangerous stunts, and hostile ideas directed at women.
This latest proposal builds upon Australia's previous regulatory efforts in the digital space, including the world-first laws introduced in December last year that prohibit children under 16 from maintaining accounts on major platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. In April, the nation's online safety watchdog also indicated it was considering potential court action against several major platforms, including YouTube, Snapchat, and TikTok, alleging they have failed to adequately prevent children under 16 from accessing their services.
FILE – A teenage boy uses his phone in Sydney, Nov. 8, 2024. Rick Rycroft/AP hide caption
