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● LIVE Updated 1h ago · 19 sources tracked

Australian Government to Allow Users to Opt out of Social Media Algorithms

The Australian government introduced legislation under the My Feed My Way plan to force social media companies, AI chatbots, and gaming apps to provide a switch-off button for algorithmic feeds. The initiative seeks to protect children from harmful content and reduce addiction. While the Greens support the Digital Duty of Care bill, the Coalition intends to vote against the algorithmic reforms, citing concerns over free speech and government trust. Some experts argue the proposal is insufficient because an opt-out mechanism does not constitute true consent.

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What changed

Recent reports highlight expert criticism that the opt-out model is an inadequate substitute for active consent.

Live updates

  1. Australia proposes mandatory opt-out for social media algorithms

    The Australian government introduced legislation under the My Feed My Way plan to force social media companies, AI chatbots, and gaming apps to provide a switch-off button for algorithmic feeds. The initiative seeks to protect children from harmful content and reduce addiction. While the Greens support the Digital Duty of Care bill, the Coalition intends to vote against the algorithmic reforms, citing concerns over free speech and government trust. Some experts argue the proposal is insufficient because an opt-out mechanism does not constitute true consent.

    Why it matters

    Australia is the first country to ban social media for minors. This legislation expands the government's effort to regulate Big Tech and online safety. The debate centers on whether user-controlled feeds can mitigate the psychological risks of personalized content.

    What is confirmed

    • The My Feed My Way plan requires social media firms to allow users to opt out of personalized feeds.
    • The Coalition intends to vote against the legislation requiring algorithmic switch-off buttons.
    • Australia is the first country to ban social media for minors.

    Still unconfirmed

    • The proposed algorithm reforms do not go far enough because opt-out is not consent.

    What to watch next

    • The parliamentary vote on the Digital Duty of Care bill
    • The government's response to expert criticism regarding opt-out consent
    Sources used for this update (5)
    1. www.france24.com — 'My Feed My Way': Australia takes on the algorithm
    2. www.dubbophotonews.com.au — 'Opt-out is not consent': expert takes aim at algorithm reforms
    3. www.europesays.com — Australia news live: One fight cancelled every three days due to staff shortages; ASX set for worst week since US-Iran war began | Australia news
    4. www.europesays.com — Hastie, Albanese and a question of integrity
    5. psnews.com.au — Coalition votes against online safety changes and flags intention to do the same over algorithms
    confidence 90%

  2. Coalition signals opposition to Australian social media algorithm opt-out laws

    The Coalition intends to vote against legislation that would require social media platforms to provide a switch-off button for algorithmic feeds. This move follows the Coalition's previous votes against online safety changes. The government's My Feed My Way plan aims to reduce addiction and protect children from harmful content by allowing users to opt out of personalized feeds on gaming apps, AI chatbots, and social media platforms. While the Greens support digital duty of care legislation, the Coalition is framing the debate around free speech and trust in government.

    Why it matters

    Current proposals seek to end the black box nature of algorithmic curation. Instagram head Adam Mosseri previously argued that removing algorithms would overwhelm users with brand content and degrade the user experience.

    What is confirmed

    • The Coalition intends to vote against the proposed algorithm opt-out legislation.
    • The Coalition has previously voted against online safety changes.

    Still unconfirmed

    • The Coalition is betting that citizens mistrust Prime Minister Anthony Albanese more than big tech companies.

    What to watch next

    • The formal parliamentary vote on the My Feed My Way legislation.
    • Responses from social media executives to the Coalition's opposition.
    Sources used for this update (6)
    1. www.theguardian.com — I turned off my algorithm for 24 hours. Is this how social media used to be?
    2. www.theguardian.com — Sarah Hanson-Young on big tech’s ‘attack on democracy’ – Australian Politics podcast
    3. www.marketscreener.com — Snap Launches Snapchat Plans Feature
    4. www.smh.com.au — The Coalition is betting that people mistrust Albanese more than big tech
    5. region.com.au — Coalition votes against online safety changes and flags intention to do the same over algorithms
    6. www.abc.net.au — Federal politics: Greens at 'crossroads' split over native forest carbon credits plan — as it happened
    confidence 90%

  3. Australia Moves to Let Social Media Users Opt Out of Algorithms

    Australia is introducing legislation to let social media users opt out of algorithm-based and personalised feeds. The proposal aims to curb addiction and limit the exposure of children to harmful content. Under the My Feed My Way plan, platforms, artificial intelligence chatbots, and gaming apps would have to provide a switch-off button for feeds. Instagram head Adam Mosseri has warned that turning off algorithms will yield a worse user experience and overwhelm users with brand content, while acknowledging that the platform's system feels like a black box.

    Why it matters

    Social media algorithms have faced intense international scrutiny over how they shape online engagement and mental health. Australia's move represents another major regulatory push targeting big technology companies following earlier youth safety measures. The incoming policy has already drawn friction from international actors, with the Trump administration preparing to confront Australia over the Labor government plan.

    What is confirmed

    • Australia is introducing legislation to allow social media users to turn off personalised algorithmic feeds.
    • Instagram head Adam Mosseri warned that users who turn off their algorithm will experience a worse user experience.

    Still unconfirmed

    • The Trump administration plans to confront Australia over the Labor government social media algorithm plan.

    What to watch next

    • Further details on the civil penalties and implementation timeline for non-compliant tech giants under the proposed legislation.
    • Official responses from major social media companies regarding compliance with the mandatory switch-off button proposal.
    Sources used for this update (13)
    1. WSJ — Australian Govt To Allow Opt Out Of Social Media Algorithms
    2. The New York Times — Australian Social Media Users Could Get Power to Switch Off Algorithms
    3. CNBC — Australia to let social media users 'opt out' of algorithm-based feeds in fresh blow to big tech
    4. NPR — Australian social media users to be offered choice to opt out of algorithms
    5. The Guardian — Trump administration to confront Australia over Labor’s social media algorithm plan
    6. enterpriseai.economictimes.indiatimes.com — Australia mulls law to give social media users choice to switch off personalised feeds
    7. www.latestly.com — Australia Social Media Ban Update: Country Plans Mandatory Switch Off Button for Feeds, Says Report
    8. www.theguardian.com — Instagram boss says users will be ‘overwhelmed’ with brand content in algorithm-free world
    9. www.theguardian.com — Plibersek on a mother's fears after release of domestic, family and sexual violence report – video
    10. www.abc.net.au — Instagram chief Adam Mosseri warns against turning off algorithm as Australia debates opt-out laws
    11. www.crikey.com.au — Albanese facing difficulties on multiple fronts
    12. en.ammonnews.net — Amusing or addictive? The algorithms powering our social feeds
    confidence 90%