Australia considers optional social media algorithms, UK-style porn ban

Plibersek cited the death of a 16-year-old girl in Sydney following a suspected sexual strangulation as a tragic example of the issue. She confirmed the government is working with the 'Teach Us Consent' campaign to explore opt-in or opt-out systems for recommender algorithms. The government is also closely examining the Meta case in the US and the UK's recent move to prevent depictions of strangulation and suffocation in pornography as part of its development of a second action plan to end family and domestic violence.

These considerations come after Australia legislated a ban on social media for individuals under 16 and introduced age verification for pornography, though Plibersek acknowledged these measures are easily circumvented. Furthermore, the government plans to begin consultations on a digital duty of care bill, which will hold tech companies, including AI firms, responsible for creating safer online spaces. Concerns were also raised about camera-equipped smartglasses, with the Attorney-General requesting the privacy commissioner investigate their potential misuse for furtive filming and blackmail, particularly during sexual encounters. A second round of privacy legislation is also expected soon.