In a move aimed at giving social media users more autonomy over their online experiences, Australia is set to introduce new legislation that would allow individuals aged 16 and above to opt out of algorithm-driven content feeds. This proposed initiative, dubbed “my feed, my way,” would enable users who choose to disable personalized algorithms to view posts exclusively from the profiles, pages, and groups they have explicitly followed. Additionally, the legislation would mandate that social media platforms request users to configure their preferred feed settings.
The Australian government asserts that these changes are designed to mitigate the exposure to harmful and polarizing content, while simultaneously empowering Australians to have more control over the content they encounter online. Non-compliant companies could face financial penalties exceeding A$100 million. Furthermore, the proposed laws include the introduction of a comprehensive digital duty of care specifically aimed at safeguarding children under 18. This would require social media services, online gaming platforms, apps, and AI chatbots to implement measures against certain categories of harmful content.
Enhancing the powers of Australia’s online safety regulator is another key aspect of the proposed reforms. The regulator would be granted the authority to issue removal notices to platforms, compelling them to address online safety hazards. Companies would also need to maintain documentation of the actions they undertake to mitigate these risks. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasized that the reforms are intended to shift control from major technology corporations to the users themselves.
The government aims to present this legislation to Parliament before the Christmas period, although it is anticipated to undergo rigorous examination and discussions. The opposition has voiced concerns that the proposed measures might grant the government excessive control over online content, while some advocates are calling for more robust safeguards and stricter penalties. These reforms are part of Australia’s larger strategy to enhance the regulation of significant technology platforms and bolster the protection of young individuals in the digital realm.