Social media algorithms are ‘one of the factors’ in the ‘rise of right-wing populists’

Assistant Productivity and Treasury Minister Andrew Leigh claims social media algorithms are a “toxic force in our society” and helped the rise of “right-wing populists”. “Our algorithms are encouraging us to fight even domestically,” Mr Leigh told News24. “We’re seeing that in politics where the algorithms are weaponising anger and outrage, and I think that’s been one of the factors in the rise of right-wing populists around the world. “These algorithms really are out of control, and they’re a toxic force in our society.”