US Raises Censorship Concerns Over Australia's Social Media Algorithm Reforms

The United States has raised objections to Australia's proposed social media algorithm reforms, cautioning that the measures could be viewed as facilitating censorship. In a formal submission to Australia's public consultation process, the US Embassy in Canberra said it had "serious concerns" about the draft law's aim of mandating how platforms manage content and user feeds.

The proposed legislation, introduced this month by Australia's centre-left Labor government, would require social media platforms to notify users and offer a default algorithm-recommended content feed, alongside an option to opt out and see posts only from accounts they choose to follow.

Washington said it was particularly worried about mandates that would let regulators impose rigid, one-size-fits-all platform design requirements, such as forced chronological feeds or opt-in recommendation systems. It warned that the mandated algorithm design requirements could affect what users see, say and hear not just in or from Australia, but globally.

The US also urged Canberra to clearly define how "harm" and "risk" would be determined, by whom, and against what standard. It cautioned that vague definitions risk enabling viewpoint-based censorship by incentivising platforms to over-moderate protected speech to avoid regulatory penalties.

Should Australia compel platforms to aggressively filter algorithmic content in ways that capture protected speech, the US warned, the suppression of a disfavoured speaker or media source's reach would be no different from outright removal. "The US government would likely consider such a measure as facilitating censorship," the statement said.

Australian Communications Minister Anika Wells did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The comments come as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese attends the United Nations General Assembly in New York, where he has been promoting his government's technology reform agenda and raising concerns about the risks posed by artificial intelligence.

The Australian government is seeking feedback from digital platforms, industry bodies, civil society organisations and advocates on the draft 'Digital Duty of Care' legislation, with the bill expected to be introduced to Parliament this year.