Australia is introducing new laws that will allow users aged 16 and over to opt out of algorithm-driven content on social media platforms. The government aims to give users more control over the content they see, particularly to avoid harmful or divisive material, with significant fines for non-compliance.
These new Australian laws represent a significant step in regulating social media platforms, potentially shifting power from tech giants to users and setting a precedent for other countries to follow in addressing online harms and algorithmic influence.
Australia is set to introduce new legislation that will empower social media users aged 16 and over to opt out of algorithm-driven content feeds, a move aimed at enhancing online safety and user control. The proposed laws, dubbed 'my feed, my way,' will allow these users to choose to see content solely from individuals and groups they have actively selected to follow, thereby avoiding potentially harmful or divisive material pushed by platform algorithms.
Platforms that fail to comply with these new regulations will face substantial fines, exceeding $100 million. In addition to algorithmic control, the legislation will introduce a digital duty of care for users under 18, requiring online games, apps, and AI chatbots to protect children from specific dangers. These include content promoting eating disorders, misogynistic material, glorification of crime, life-endangering stunts, and content causing severe mental distress such as abuse and bullying.
The Australian regulator, the eSafety commissioner, will be granted the authority to issue removal notices to social media companies, and these operators will be obligated to document their efforts in addressing online harms. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is expected to champion these plans internationally at the United Nations General Assembly. He emphasized that the legislation is about empowering individuals rather than government control, asserting that it shifts power from large global tech companies to ordinary Australians.
While acknowledging potential opposition from big tech firms, Albanese expressed confidence in the government's stance. The Labor government will need the support of the Greens to pass the laws, as the Liberal and National parties have indicated potential opposition, raising concerns about internet censorship. Communications Minister Anika Wells stated that tech companies have long conducted unregulated product testing on Australian users and declared that a 'global reckoning' for big tech has begun in Australia.