SYDNEY — Australia on Tuesday proposed giving social media users a choice over algorithmically recommended feeds, the next step in Canberra’s online-safety push after its world-first social media age ban for children. Under draft Digital Duty of Care laws, platforms would have to notify users and offer an opt-in or opt-out for personalized recommendations.
Users could keep a default feed shaped by algorithms, or switch to posts only from friends and creators they follow. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called it “sensible, pragmatic, practical reform†that “gives users choice†and holds big tech responsible for inaction. The “My Feed, My Way†package also requires platforms to document measures against identified harms and keep them effective over time.
Failure to comply could bring penalties of up to A$109.2 million ($79 million), with the eSafety Commissioner enforcing the rules. eSafety would also gain power to issue notices requiring swift removal of certain harmful, nudity-related, and illegal content. Free-speech advocates warned the draft could enable censorship; Albanese said the aim is people control, not government control.
The draft extends child-protection duties beyond social media to games, apps, and AI chatbots, including limits on addictive design features. Meta and Google did not immediately comment. The government opened consultation with platforms and civil society, with legislation expected in Parliament this year. The European Union’s Digital Services Act has required a similar profiling opt-out since 2024.
Sources: Reuters, Prime Minister of Australia.
