Australia Proposes Law to Let Users Choose Social Media Feeds
Australia's new draft law would let users opt out of algorithmic social media feeds, targeting online safety and big tech accountability.
The Australian government has introduced draft legislation that would require social media platforms to offer users a choice over their default content feeds. The proposal, announced on Tuesday, is the latest move in the country's broader push for online safety, following its earlier ban on social media for children.
Under the plan, platforms would need to notify users and let them decide whether their feed includes algorithmically recommended content. Users who prefer a more curated experience could instead choose to see posts only from accounts they follow, without algorithmic suggestions.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the initiative as "sensible, pragmatic, practical reform," stating that it gives users control and holds major technology companies accountable if they fail to comply with the law. He stressed that the measure is not about government control but about empowering individuals.
The draft rules, branded "My Feed, My Way," would also require digital platforms to document steps taken to address risks of harm to Australian users and to ensure these measures remain effective. Australia's internet regulator, eSafety, would be responsible for enforcement and could issue penalties of up to A$109.2 million (about $79 million) for non-compliance.
Additionally, eSafety would gain new powers to issue notices requiring swift removal of harmful, nudity-related, and illegal content. However, free speech advocates have cautioned that the legislation could lead to censorship.
The proposal mirrors aspects of the European Union's Digital Services Act, which since 2024 has required platforms to offer users the option to disable profiling. That rollout faced early criticism from regulators who said the opt-out process was not user-friendly.
Major platforms, including Meta and Google, have not yet responded to requests for comment. The government plans to consult with digital platforms, industry bodies, and civil society groups before introducing the bill to Parliament later this year.