Australian social media users to be offered choice to opt out of algorithms

Live updates

1. 5d ago

   Australia Proposes Law Giving Users Choice to Opt Out of Algorithms

   Australia has proposed new legislation that would force social media giants to allow users to opt out of algorithm-based feeds. The proposed 'opt out' law targets Big Tech algorithms as part of digital duty of care measures designed to look after users. While supporters argue the move reduces digital harm, critics and tech executives warn of unintended consequences. Instagram leadership has warned that users could be overwhelmed with brand content in an algorithm-free environment. The policy has also drawn pushback, with the Trump administration preparing to confront Australia over the plan.

   Why it matters

   The legislative push places Australia on a collision course with United States big tech companies and introduces friction with Washington. Similar regulatory actions in places like the Netherlands previously forced Meta to let users ditch algorithmic feeds. The debate centers on whether removing algorithmic sorting improves social media or creates a disjointed experience.

   What is confirmed

   • Australia proposed a law allowing social media users to opt out of algorithm-based feeds.
   • The Trump administration plans to confront Australia over the social media algorithm plan.
   • Instagram leadership warned that users would be overwhelmed without algorithms.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Australia sees no threat to United States ties following White House criticism of the social media reforms.

   What to watch next

   • Formal responses and policy decisions from the Trump administration regarding the Australian law.
   • Legislative progress and parliamentary debates on the proposed digital duty of care laws in Australia.
   Sources used for this update (20)

   1. Al Jazeera — Australia’s proposed ‘opt out’ law targets Big Tech algorithms
   2. The Guardian — ‘Global reckoning for big tech’: Australia to force social media giants to allow users to opt out of algorithm
   3. The Guardian — Social media users could opt out of the algorithm if Australian government has its way – but that’s a big if
   4. WSJ — Australian Govt To Allow Opt Out Of Social Media Algorithms
   5. The New York Times — Australian Social Media Users Could Get Power to Switch Off Algorithms
   6. CNBC — Australia to let social media users 'opt out' of algorithm-based feeds in fresh blow to big tech
   7. NPR — Australian social media users to be offered choice to opt out of algorithms
   8. The Guardian — Labor wants Australians to be able to opt out of online algorithms. How will it change your feed?
   9. abc.net.au — Will your feed be boring without the algorithm? Instagram gives us a hint
   10. The Conversation — ‘Digital duty of care’ laws will force tech platforms to look after users
   11. The Guardian — The Orwellian machinery critics are desperate to protect is the algorithms, not laws that seek to reduce harm | Ed Coper
   12. The Guardian — Trump administration to confront Australia over Labor’s social media algorithm plan
   confidence 90%