The Australian government plans to introduce legislation this week that would require social media platforms to allow users to switch off content-recommendation algorithms. Communications Minister Anika Wells said the digital duty of care laws would impose basic safety protections on an industry that has not been subject to such requirements. Companies including Meta, Google, and TikTok would face substantial penalties if they did not provide the opt-out option.
Wells said the government is seeking expert advice on whether users would be required to opt in or opt out of algorithmic feeds. The government previously passed legislation banning social media use for children under 16, though research indicates that most underage users who were on platforms before the ban took effect in December continue to use them. No tech company has been fined for failing to enforce that ban.
Some opposition members have criticized the proposal. Liberal Party leader Angus Taylor said he was highly skeptical of the plan and argued it could amount to censorship. Wells responded that the legislation is not about censorship but about requiring tech companies to identify and mitigate risks on their platforms. She said many Australians value algorithms for discovering content such as local businesses, and those users could choose to keep them active.
The draft legislation is also expected to require platforms to prevent the sharing of harmful content, including illegal pornography and material promoting disordered eating. Last week, consent advocate Chanel Contos called for an opt-in model for algorithmic feeds, arguing that algorithms contribute to sexual violence by exposing young people to misogynistic content.