Australian social media users to be offered choice to opt out of algorithms
CANBERRA, Australia (AP) — Australian social media users would be given a choice to opt out of algorithms under proposed laws announced by the government Tuesday that would let users have more control over what they see on their social media feeds. “We’ll require social media platforms to…
Canberra, Australia (AP) — Australian lawmakers have announced proposed laws that would grant social media users over the age of 16 the option to opt out of algorithms, giving them greater control over the content they encounter on their feeds. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated that the legislation aims to provide "user empowerment tools" that would allow individuals to choose what they see in their feeds.
The proposed laws would also safeguard children from potentially harmful content, such as promoting eating disorders, negative perceptions of women, pornography, criminal activities, dangerous stunts, and content that causes serious mental health distress. These measures follow Australia's introduction of world-leading laws in December last year that prohibit children under 16 from creating accounts on major social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.
The Digital Duty of Care legislation could result in penalties of up to 109.2 million Australian dollars ($78.6 million) for non-compliant social media platforms. New and existing users would receive a notification offering them the choice to have their default feed include personalized content recommended by algorithms or to see content from friends and creators they follow.
Written by urgent.news from Associated Press's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
Also reported by 2 other outlets
- Don't Want Algorithms Picking Your Feed? Australia Plans Opt-Out For Social Media Users freepressjournal.in
- Australian social media users to be offered choice to opt out of algorithms winnipegfreepress.com
