Australia plans social media algorithm opt-out law

Australia is preparing draft legislation that would allow social media users to turn off content recommendation algorithms on major platforms. The proposed rules aim to give individuals control over their online feeds and penalize tech firms that fail to provide the option.

Communications Minister Anika Wells announced the initiative as part of upcoming digital duty of care laws expected to be introduced in Parliament in the coming days. The legislation will apply to prominent global platforms including Meta, Google, and TikTok.

Proposed digital duty of care

Under the government’s draft proposal, social media companies would be required to offer Australian users a choice to disable the algorithms that select and serve content. Wells argued that the measures would ensure “some basic safety protections on an industry that hasn’t had to observe it”.

The government is currently seeking expert advice on whether users should be defaulted out of algorithms or required to proactively opt in to disable them. Beyond algorithm controls, the legislation will place a legal obligation on technology companies to prevent the distribution of harmful content, including illegal pornography and material encouraging disordered eating.

Political clash over censorship

The proposal has drawn criticism from opposition politicians. Liberal Party leader Angus Taylor stated he was “highly sceptical” of the bill, cautioning that government oversight of algorithmic content feeds could amount to censorship.

Wells dismissed claims that the legislation threatens free expression, stating in an interview on Channel Nine’s Today show that “This isn’t about censorship.” She said the bill aims to force tech companies to identify and address safety hazards on their own platforms.

Broader scrutiny of social platforms

The draft legislation follows public advocacy from consent campaigner Chanel Contos, who recently delivered an address at Australia’s National Press Club calling for an opt-in model for algorithmic feeds. Contos argued that automated recommendation systems expose young users to misogynistic content and drive sexual violence.

The move comes after Australia enacted a ban on social media access for children under the age of 16 last December. However, Wells noted that no tech platform has been fined under that law so far, even though research indicates that most underage users who already had accounts before the ban continue to access those services.

Background

Australia has introduced several regulatory measures targeting major technology platforms in recent years. In December, the country enacted a world-first ban prohibiting children under 16 from accessing social media platforms, placing Australia at the center of international discussions on tech oversight.