Australia to force social media platforms to allow users to opt out of algorithms
Draft legislation enforces digital duty of care including limiting children’s exposure to misogynistic and eating disorder content Australia will allow social media account holders to opt out of the powerful algorithms pushing dangerous and divisive content into users’ feeds, part of new laws designed to boost online safety. Users over 16 years of age will be given new tools to turn off…
The Australian government has proposed new legislation aimed at giving social media users more control over the content they see on their feeds. Under the proposed 'My Feed, My Way' initiative, users will be able to opt into or out of algorithmically recommended content, choosing instead to see posts only from the friends and creators they follow.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated that this reform is sensible, pragmatic, and practical, giving users choice and holding big tech companies accountable if they fail to comply. The proposed legislation draws parallels with the European Union's Digital Services Act, which has required platforms to offer users the option to switch off profiling since 2024.
However, Meta Platforms and Google did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The legislation also requires digital platforms to document measures taken to address identified risks of harm to Australian users and ensures those measures remain effective over time. Failure to comply could result in penalties of up to A$109.2 million, with the eSafety Commissioner responsible for compliance and enforcement.
Brief written by urgent.news from Jerusalem Post's own syndicated text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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