Australia’s Communications Minister Anika Wells announced that draft legislation would be introduced this week enabling users to turn off social media algorithms, marking another regulatory step following the government’s social media ban for under-16s introduced last December.
Under the proposed digital duty of care laws, technology companies including Meta, Google, and TikTok would be required to provide users the ability to disable algorithmic content feeds. Wells stated that firms failing to offer this choice should face “substantial” penalties. The government indicated it would seek expert guidance on whether users would need to actively opt into or out of algorithm-driven content delivery systems.
Wells emphasized that the legislation aims to provide Australians greater control over their social media experience while acknowledging that many users value algorithms for entertainment and utility, such as discovering local businesses. She framed the measure as a consumer protection initiative rather than a regulatory overreach, stating that major technology platforms should observe basic safety standards comparable to other industries.
Opposition responses were mixed, with some members supporting the principle while others expressed skepticism. Liberal Party leader Angus Taylor stated he was “highly sceptical” of the proposal, characterizing it as a potential censorship attempt and suggesting the government should first address enforcement gaps in the existing social media ban. Wells disputed the censorship characterization, describing the legislation as focused on identifying and mitigating platform risks.
The draft legislation is expected to address additional concerns beyond algorithms, including requirements for platforms to prevent distribution of illegal content and material promoting harmful behaviors. Advocacy groups, including consent advocate Chanel Contos, have called for stricter opt-in requirements to make algorithmic systems harder to circumvent.
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