The Australian government has announced plans for digital duty of care legislation that would require social media platforms to present users with a pop-up notification allowing them to choose between algorithmic feeds or feeds showing only content from their selected friends and groups.
The proposal aims to address long-standing complaints about algorithmically-curated content that many users find invasive, toxic, or conducive to radicalization. Previous investigations documented how algorithms on major platforms can quickly direct users toward extreme content based on minimal interactions. The government frames the measure as an empowerment initiative, positioning it as user choice rather than government mandates.
Tech companies’ track record suggests implementation challenges ahead. When Apple introduced app tracking transparency notifications in 2021, Meta lost approximately $10 billion in quarterly revenue as users opted out of ad tracking. However, companies have historically buried safety features within settings with minimal promotion and deliberately created cumbersome user experiences for opt-out functions. In Europe, Meta’s 2023 introduction of algorithm-free feeds complied with EU law in theory, though a 2025 Dutch court found users were automatically reverted to algorithmic feeds upon closing and reopening the app, requiring the company to provide a more direct opt-out mechanism.
Additionally, the effectiveness of existing safety features remains questionable. During recent court proceedings, testimony revealed that Instagram’s Take a Break feature, designed to limit teen scrolling, had adoption rates of only 1.8 percent. Companies often attribute low uptake of safety features to user satisfaction with current services.
The proposal faces uncertain legislative prospects. While the social media youth ban received prominent support from major media organizations, it remains unclear whether the broader online harms legislation will receive similar backing, particularly from opposition parties.
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