The Australian government is preparing a draft law that would require social media platforms to let users switch off algorithmic recommendation systems, according to medianama.com. This proposal is part of a new digital duty of care framework aimed at giving users control over their feeds. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is expected to promote the framework at the United Nations General Assembly in New York later this month.
Under the proposed law, users who opt out of algorithmic recommendations would see their social media feeds revert to a chronological order, showing content only from friends, family, and groups or pages they follow. The legislation also includes additional obligations for platforms to identify and act on problematic or illegal content, especially to protect vulnerable groups such as children. The move targets areas where algorithmic amplification has been linked to harmful behaviors, including body image issues and women's safety.
This initiative responds to concerns about how social media algorithms can amplify harmful content. The Australian government aims to curb the spread of such material by giving users more control and increasing platform accountability. However, the proposal has faced criticism from opposition figures like Angus Taylor, who expressed skepticism and fears the law could lead to internet censorship rather than protecting users.
Prime Minister Albanese plans to present the digital duty of care framework, including the algorithm opt-out proposal, at the UN General Assembly later this month, marking a key moment for Australia's approach to regulating social media platforms.