Australia introduced legislation on Thursday that would allow social media users to turn off algorithm-driven recommendations, as the government moves to strengthen online safety requirements for technology companies.
The proposed Digital Duty of Care Bill 2026 would require digital platforms to take preventive measures against online harms rather than acting only after users have been exposed to harmful content.
Under the legislation, Australians aged over 16 would be able to choose whether their main social media feed displays algorithmically recommended content or posts from accounts they have chosen to follow.
The bill would also introduce minimum safety standards covering social media networks, online gaming services, mobile applications and artificial intelligence chatbots.
Technology companies would be required to strengthen protections for users under 18, particularly against content encouraging eating disorders, dangerous challenges, criminal activity and hostility towards women.
The proposed measures would give Australia’s eSafety Commissioner additional powers to act against AI-powered services that generate non-consensual nude images, commonly known as nudification tools.
Platforms would also face tighter deadlines for responding to complaints involving cyberbullying and online abuse, with the permitted response period reduced from 48 hours to 24 hours.
Companies found violating the new requirements could face penalties of up to A$109.2 million (approximately US$75 million).
Professional news content and entertainment media would be exempt from the proposed provisions.
Communications Minister Anika Wells described the legislation as another major development in Australia’s approach to digital regulation.
“The Digital Duty of Care is the next step in our world-leading online safety laws,” Wells said.
“It will set basic safety standards for the digital services we use every day, just as we have for food, cars and kids’ toys,” she added.
The legislation follows Australia’s earlier restrictions on social media access for children under 16, reflecting the government’s broader efforts to address online risks and increase accountability among digital platforms.
The bill has been introduced in the House of Representatives but must secure approval from both chambers of Parliament, including the Senate, before it can become law.