Australia is set to introduce new legislation aimed at giving social media users aged 16 and older the option to opt out of algorithm-driven content feeds. This initiative, known as the “my feed, my way” system, would enable users to see posts only from accounts, pages, and groups they have actively chosen to follow if they choose to disable the personalized algorithms. Social media platforms would be required to prompt users to select their preferred feed settings under this proposal.
The government asserts that these reforms are designed to mitigate exposure to harmful and divisive content while empowering Australians to have more control over their online experiences. Companies that fail to adhere to these new regulations could face financial penalties exceeding A$100 million. Additionally, the legislation seeks to implement a broader digital duty of care specifically targeting individuals under 18 years old. Under this framework, social media services, online games, apps, and AI chatbots would need to implement measures to tackle certain types of harmful content.
Enhancements to Australia’s online safety regulations would see the safety regulator gaining stronger enforcement capabilities, such as the power to issue removal notices to platforms. Companies would also be obliged to document the steps they take to mitigate online safety risks. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasized that the reforms aim to redistribute control from dominant technology companies back to users, ensuring a safer digital environment.
The government plans to present this legislation to Parliament before the Christmas period, though it is anticipated that the proposal will undergo thorough scrutiny and negotiation. While the opposition has expressed concerns about the potential for these measures to grant the government too much control over online content, some advocates argue for even stronger protections and harsher penalties. These reforms are part of a broader Australian initiative to enhance regulation of major technology platforms and bolster protections for young people online.