SYDNEY: Australia has proposed new legislation that would give social-media users the right to opt out of algorithmically recommended feeds, potentially becoming one of the strongest attempts yet by a national government to give users greater control over how platforms select the content they see.
Under the proposed “My Feed, My Way” reforms, platforms would have to clearly offer Australians over 16 a choice. Users could continue receiving personalised recommendations generated by algorithms, or switch to a feed consisting primarily of posts from friends, accounts and creators they have deliberately chosen to follow.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the purpose was to return control to users rather than governments. Social-media algorithms have faced growing criticism for maximising engagement by continually recommending similar material, with concerns that this can contribute to addictive use, political polarisation and repeated exposure to harmful content.
The proposal follows Australia’s earlier move to restrict social-media access for children under 16. The broader digital-duty-of-care legislation would also require online platforms to take stronger measures against foreseeable harms, including harmful material affecting children and teenagers.
Companies that fail to comply could face penalties of more than A$100 million, with Australia’s eSafety regulator responsible for enforcement. The draft legislation is now being consulted on before being taken to parliament.