Politics · Singapore Bureau
Australia moves to let users escape social media algorithms
Canberra is preparing to introduce legislation that would give social media users the right to opt out of algorithmic feeds. The draft law, centred on establishing a 'digital duty of care', is expected to reach Parliament this week.
LSN Singapore ·
Australia is set to become one of the first nations to legislate user control over social media algorithms, with a draft bill establishing new accountability standards for digital platforms expected to be tabled in Parliament shortly.
The proposed legislation introduces a framework known as a 'digital duty of care', designed to impose obligations on social media companies to prioritise user welfare and safety. A key provision would permit users to decline algorithmic content feeds, allowing them to view posts in chronological order instead.
The move reflects growing international concern over the mental health impacts of algorithmically-curated content, particularly among young people. By establishing enforceable duties of care, the law aims to ensure platforms take reasonable steps to prevent harm while maintaining their commercial viability.
The initiative positions Australia among jurisdictions seeking to regulate tech giants more directly, following similar approaches in Europe and discussions in other regional nations. Technology companies are expected to face significant compliance requirements under the proposed framework, though details on enforcement mechanisms and penalties remain to be finalised.