Australia Drafts Bill to Let Users Opt Out of Social Media Algorithms
The bill extends Australia's regulatory push on social media beyond age bans to give users direct control over algorithmic content feeds.
Reporting from 1 source: GIGAZINE.
The Australian government led by Anthony Albanese is preparing legislation requiring social media platforms to let users disable personalized recommendation algorithms. The bill, part of a digital duty of care initiative, also sets minimum standards for protecting under-18s from harmful content, with fines up to 109.2 million dollars.
The proposal follows Australia's social media ban for under-16s, in effect since December 2025, which carries fines up to 99 million dollars for non-compliance. Under the new bill, platforms must notify both new and existing users about their default feed options. Users can choose to opt in to algorithm-recommended personalized content or opt out and see only posts from accounts they follow.
The duty of care also targets harmful material for those under 18, including content that promotes eating disorders, fosters hostile attitudes toward women, pornographic material, content glorifying crime, and content causing mental distress such as abuse and bullying. Violations could lead to fines up to 109.2 million dollars. The government is seeking input from platforms and industry groups, with the bill scheduled for introduction in 2026.
Synthesized by Yomimono from the 1 cited source below, including Japanese-language reporting where cited, then editorially reviewed before publishing.