US warns Australia’s social media algorithm reforms risk ‘facilitating censorship’

The United States has expressed serious concerns over Australia's proposed social media algorithm reforms, warning that the legislation risks enabling viewpoint-based censorship by incentivising platforms to over-moderate protected speech. The Trump administration's embassy in Canberra stated that the proposed law, which would give users the option to choose content on their feeds, could lead to rigid, one-size-fits-all platform design requirements, such as forced chronological feeds or opt-in recommendation systems.

The US cautioned that vague definitions in the legislation could result in regulatory penalties for platforms and ultimately facilitate censorship, suppressing protected speech. The Australian government, led by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, is promoting the technology reform agenda, claiming the legislation aims to restore individuals' control over content choices without granting governments greater authority.

The bill, known as the "Digital Duty of Care" legislation, is currently under public consultation and is expected to be introduced to parliament this year.