Australia Proposes Law to Let Users Ditch Social Media Algorithms
Australia unveils draft law to let users opt out of algorithmic feeds and protect children from harmful online content, with fines up to A$109.2 million.
The Australian government has announced proposed legislation that would require social media platforms to offer users aged 16 and above a genuine and lasting choice over the content they see in their feeds. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the new rules would compel platforms to provide "user empowerment tools" that let people decide whether to receive algorithmically recommended posts or simply see updates from accounts they follow.
The draft Digital Duty of Care bill is designed to give individuals more control while holding big tech companies accountable. "If they don't follow our laws, they will face significant penalties," Albanese warned. Non-compliance could attract fines of up to 109.2 million Australian dollars (about $78.6 million).
Under the proposed framework, platforms would need to notify both new and existing users, offering them a clear choice over their default feed. Users could opt in to personalised, algorithm-driven content or choose a chronological feed of friends and creators they follow.
The legislation also aims to shield children from harmful material such as content promoting eating disorders, misogynistic views, pornography, crime, dangerous stunts, and other material that could cause serious mental distress. Digital services—including online games, apps, and AI chatbots—would be required to avoid design features that negatively affect behaviour, such as addictive elements or those that harm self-esteem.
This move follows Australia's world-first law enacted in December last year that bans under-16s from holding accounts on major platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok. In April, the country's online safety regulator said it was considering legal action against several platforms for allegedly failing to keep younger children off their services.