Australia Proposes User Choice for Social Media Feeds

The Australian government has announced proposed legislation that would give social media users the choice to opt out of algorithmically curated feeds. The government stated that the new laws would allow users over the age of 16 to have control over what content they see.

"We will require social media platforms to provide user empowerment tools that give people over the age of 16 genuine and enduring choice about what they see in their feeds," Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told reporters in Canberra.

The proposed legislation, known as the Digital Duty of Care, would also implement measures to protect children from content promoting eating disorders, hostile views toward women, pornography, criminal activity, dangerous stunts, and content causing serious mental health distress. Platforms failing to comply could face penalties of up to A$109.2 million (approximately US$78.6 million).

This move follows Australia's introduction of world-first laws in December that ban children under 16 from holding accounts on major social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok. Under the proposed laws, platforms would be required to notify users about their feed choices. Users could opt to receive personalized content recommended by algorithms or choose to see content only from friends and creators they follow.

Beyond social media, the proposed laws would extend to other digital services, including online games, apps, and AI chatbots, requiring them to protect children from design features that negatively impact behavior, such as addictive functionalities and those affecting self-esteem. Australia's eSafety Commissioner had previously stated it was considering legal action against major platforms for allegedly failing to keep underage children offline.