Australia Announces New Legislation to Regulate Social Media Algorithms
3 sources across 2 countries · United Kingdom · Germany
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- The Guardian
- The Register
- Deutsche Welle
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The Australian government has announced draft legislation that would require social media platforms to allow users to opt out of algorithmic content recommendations. Under the initiative titled My Feed, My Way, users who opt out would only see content from accounts they have actively chosen to follow. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated that the bill is intended to give people control rather than government control. Companies that fail to comply with the new rules could face fines of up to AU$100 million.
The proposed laws introduce a digital duty of care for social media platforms, including TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram. This framework would require services such as AI chatbots, apps, and online games to protect users under 18 from specific harms. These harms include pornography, content promoting eating disorders, misogyny, and the glorification of crime. The eSafety commissioner would have the power to issue removal notices, and the relevant minister could seek a parliamentary vote to ban certain types of harmful content.
Minister for Communications Anika Wells compared the regulations to safety standards for cars and food, arguing that tech companies have conducted unregulated product testing on Australians for too long. The legislation follows Australia's 2025 move to restrict social media access for children under 16. The bill is expected to be introduced to parliament before the end of the year, though it may face a lengthy public inquiry.
Reactions to the proposal vary across the political spectrum. Center-left framing emphasizes the redistribution of power from global tech giants to ordinary citizens and highlights the necessity of protecting children from dangerous content. Center framing focuses on the legal precedent of the duty of care and the government's effort to establish basic safety standards for digital tools. Meanwhile, opposition from the Liberal and National parties frames the legislation as a potential tool for government censorship.
How each side framed it
- Centre-left
- Framed the move as a necessary power shift from big tech to citizens to protect users from dangerous and divisive content.
- Centre
- Focused on the legal framework of the duty of care and the government's stated goal of establishing basic safety standards.
Sources
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