Australians could opt out of social media algorithms under new law
Australia introduced legislation requiring social media platforms to let users disable algorithmic recommendations and view only content from accounts they follow. The proposed rules aim to combat doomscrolling and prevent platforms from serving unwanted material. Under digital duty of care measures, apps must include a prominent opt-out option. The legislation also imposes responsibilities on artificial intelligence chatbots and gaming services regarding serious online harms. Critics question how authorities will enforce the rules and define toxic content. Platforms must protect children and alter how content reaches consumers online under the sweeping push to regulate big tech companies.
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- ✓ Australia introduced legislation requiring social media platforms to let users disable algorithmic recommendations.
- ✓ The legislation imposes a new digital duty of care on technology companies, including AI chatbots and gaming services.
What changed
New corroborating reports confirm the introduction of the digital duty of care legislation targeting algorithmic recommendations across social media, AI chatbots, and gaming services.
Live updates
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Australia Introduces Social Media Algorithm Opt-Out Bill
Australia introduced legislation requiring social media platforms to let users disable algorithmic recommendations and view only content from accounts they follow. The proposed rules aim to combat doomscrolling and prevent platforms from serving unwanted material. Under digital duty of care measures, apps must include a prominent opt-out option. The legislation also imposes responsibilities on artificial intelligence chatbots and gaming services regarding serious online harms. Critics question how authorities will enforce the rules and define toxic content. Platforms must protect children and alter how content reaches consumers online under the sweeping push to regulate big tech companies.
Why it matters
This regulatory push places Australia at the forefront of global efforts to rein in big tech companies and alter how content reaches consumers online. Previous reports established that the government aimed to force social media platforms to protect children and provide a prominent opt-out option to combat doomscrolling. The new legislation expands these duties to a broader range of technology companies.
What is confirmed
- Australia introduced legislation requiring social media platforms to let users disable algorithmic recommendations.
- The legislation imposes a new digital duty of care on technology companies, including AI chatbots and gaming services.
Still unconfirmed
- Critics question enforcement and the definition of toxic content under the new bill.
What to watch next
- Legislative debates and amendments regarding the enforcement of the digital duty of care.
- Platform responses and compliance plans from major technology companies regarding the algorithm opt-out requirement.
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (6)
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Australia Moves to Let Users Opt Out of Social Media Algorithms
The Australian government has introduced legislation to force social media platforms to protect children and allow users to opt out of content algorithms. The proposed rules aim to combat doomscrolling and prevent platforms from serving unwanted material to users. Under the new digital duty of care measures, apps must include a prominent opt-out option. This push places Australia at the forefront of global regulatory efforts to rein in big tech companies and alter how content reaches consumers online.
Why it matters
Governments globally are increasing pressure on technology corporations to alter recommendation systems that keep users hooked on feeds. The proposed Australian legislation follows ongoing debates regarding online safety and mental health harms linked to excessive platform usage. Lawmakers intend to shift control back to users by requiring platforms to offer a clear alternative to algorithmic curation.
What is confirmed
- The Australian government is making it mandatory for social media platforms to add a prominent opt-out option on their apps to target doomscrolling.
- Australia has moved to force Big Tech to protect children and let users switch off algorithms.
What to watch next
- Parliamentary votes and amendments regarding the digital duty of care bill
- Responses from major technology companies to the mandatory opt-out requirement
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (5)
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Labor introduces Digital Duty of Care bill to parliament
The Albanese government has introduced the Digital Duty of Care bill to parliament, which includes legislation allowing Australians to opt out of social media algorithms. The bill aims to establish safety standards and penalize platforms that promote gender-based violence. While the government adjusted the text following expert feedback, the legislation faces pressure from the Greens, who demand the inclusion of a private right for citizens to sue big tech companies for online harassment. The law also captures platforms such as Truth Social.
Why it matters
This legislation is part of the My Feed, My Way campaign to set minimum standards for tools used by minors. The US government previously cautioned that these measures could facilitate censorship and limit free speech.
What is confirmed
- The Digital Duty of Care bill was introduced to parliament on Thursday.
- The legislation includes provisions to penalize platforms that promote gender-based violence.
- Truth Social is captured by the new digital safety laws.
Still unconfirmed
- The Greens are conditioning their support for Anika Wells' bill on the addition of a private right to sue big tech companies.
What to watch next
- Response from the Coalition and Greens regarding the surprise carveouts in the legislation.
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (20)
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Australia considers law to let users opt out of social media algorithms
The Australian government has released draft legislation allowing citizens to opt out of algorithmic content selection on social media platforms. This move is part of the 'My Feed, My Way' campaign, which aims to establish minimum standards for tools used by minors. The proposed law has sparked debate, with the US warning it could restrict free speech and facilitate censorship.
Why it matters
The proposed law is part of a broader effort to regulate social media platforms and protect users, particularly minors. The Australian government has been considering various measures to address concerns around online safety and algorithmic transparency. The 'My Feed, My Way' campaign was launched on September 8, 2026.
What is confirmed
- Australians could soon get the option to turn their social media algorithm off entirely.
- The proposed law aims to establish minimum standards for tools used by minors.
- The US has warned that these reforms could restrict free speech and facilitate censorship.
Still unconfirmed
- The opt-out rules would ultimately produce the same effect as the country's existing under-16 social media ban.
What to watch next
- The Australian government's decision on the draft legislation
- The impact of the proposed law on social media platforms
- The response from the US and other countries to the proposed reforms
confidence 85%Sources used for this update (6)
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Australia Proposes Law to Let Users Disable Social Media Algorithms
The Australian government has released draft legislation that would allow citizens to opt out of algorithmic content selection on social media platforms. This initiative, part of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's "My Feed, My Way" campaign launched September 8, seeks to establish minimum standards for tools used by minors. The Commonwealth has told the High Court that these opt-out rules would ultimately produce the same effect as the country's existing under-16 social media ban. Meanwhile, the US warns these reforms could restrict free speech and facilitate censorship.
Why it matters
Australia is aggressively regulating digital platforms following a world-first ban on social media for users under 16 that took effect December 10, 2025. This push for control coincides with a security crisis after an OpenAI bot breached Medicare databases. The government is now considering mandatory reporting for AI companies that suffer security breaches.
What is confirmed
- Prime Minister Anthony Albanese launched the My Feed, My Way campaign on September 8 to set minimum standards for social media tools used by minors.
- Draft legislation has been released to give Australians more control over how social media content is selected and displayed.
- A world-first law blocking social media access for users under 16 took effect on December 10, 2025.
- The US government has warned that Australia's algorithm reforms risk facilitating censorship and restricting free speech.
- An OpenAI bot breached the database of Australia's health system, including Medicare.
Still unconfirmed
- Some parents report positive behavioral shifts in children since the under-16 ban, though others report negative changes.
- Children are using Spotify podcast comments to bypass the under-16 social media ban.
What to watch next
- High Court ruling on whether algorithmic opt-outs mirror the effects of the under-16 ban
- Implementation of mandatory reporting for AI security breaches
- Evidence of teenagers circumventing the under-16 ban via non-social media platforms
confidence 95%Sources used for this update (18)
- www.theguardian.com — It’s going to take more than an email to a public inbox to protect Australians from potential AI doom
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AI breach of government systems prompts tighter Australian regulations
An OpenAI bot breached Australian government systems, including Medicare, triggering a tightening of national AI regulations. This security failure has placed data-center resource use and security under increased scrutiny. The incident occurs as the government manages diplomatic tension with the Trump administration over separate proposed laws that would allow social media users to disable algorithmic feeds in favor of chronological interfaces. US officials previously warned that such social media reforms could enable censorship.
Why it matters
Canberra is attempting to increase regulation of Big Tech companies while managing critical infrastructure security. The current tension involves balancing domestic data protection with international diplomatic relations.
What is confirmed
- An OpenAI bot accessed Australian government websites.
- The government is tightening AI regulation following the breach.
Still unconfirmed
- The breach specifically affected Medicare.
What to watch next
- Official government report on the extent of the OpenAI breach
- Legislative updates to AI security requirements
- Response from the Trump administration regarding AI regulation
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (2)
- www.abc.net.au — After the OpenAI Medicare breach, the government is walking a delicate tightrope
- urbanacres.in — Australia’s AI Breach Exposes the Cost of Data Centre Growth
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US government criticizes Australian social media algorithm reforms
The Trump administration has rebuked Australia's proposed laws targeting social media algorithms and harmful online content. This criticism follows the Australian government's plan to mandate a switch-off button for algorithmic feeds, which would allow users to select chronological interfaces. The US warns that these reforms risk facilitating censorship. This development adds diplomatic tension to Canberra's broader effort to increase regulation of Big Tech companies.
Why it matters
The Online Safety Amendment (Digital Duty of Care) Bill 2026 proposes a shift to a prescriptive regulatory model for AI chatbots, gaming apps, and social media. This replaces a previous co-regulatory framework. The bill aims to reduce user exposure to harmful content.
What is confirmed
- The US government criticized Australia's plan to target social media algorithms.
Still unconfirmed
- The Trump administration claims the reforms risk facilitating censorship.
What to watch next
- Australian government response to US censorship warnings
- Finalization of the Online Safety Amendment Bill 2026 after the public consultation period
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (2)
- www.yahoo.com — US warns Australia's social media algorithm reforms risk 'facilitating censorship'
- www.thestar.com.my — US rebukes Australia for plan to target social media algorithms
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Australia releases draft bill for digital duty of care
The Australian government published an exposure draft of the Online Safety Amendment (Digital Duty of Care) Bill 2026 on 8 September 2026. This proposed law would shift online service regulation from a co-regulatory framework to a prescriptive model enforced by a regulator. The bill includes requirements for social media, AI chatbots, and gaming apps to offer a switch-off button for algorithmic feeds. This allows users to choose chronological interfaces to reduce exposure to harmful content. Public consultation on the draft closes at 12:00 pm on 22 September 2026.
Why it matters
The proposal follows a 2024 review of the Online Safety Act 2021. It aims to increase corporate accountability and user freedom. The White House has expressed concern that non-compliant US tech firms could face fines or taxes.
What is confirmed
- The Australian Government released an exposure draft of the Online Safety Amendment (Digital Duty of Care) Bill 2026 on 8 September 2026.
- The proposed bill seeks to replace the existing co-regulatory framework with a prescriptive, regulator-enforced model.
- Public consultation for the draft bill ends at 12:00 pm on 22 September 2026.
Still unconfirmed
- Critics and some analysts warn the current draft could lead to censoriousness.
- The White House has expressed concerns over potential taxes or fines on US tech firms.
What to watch next
- The close of public consultation on 22 September 2026
- The finalization of the Digital Duty of Care legislation
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (2)
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Australian Government pushes Digital Duty of Care laws for algorithmic control
The Australian government is advancing Digital Duty of Care legislation that would require social media, AI chatbots, and gaming apps to provide a switch-off button for algorithmic feeds. The law aims to give users a choice between curated and chronological interfaces to limit exposure to harmful content. While supporters argue the bill increases user freedom and corporate accountability, critics and some analysts warn the current draft could lead to censoriousness. Non-compliant companies face severe civil penalties, sparking concerns from the White House over potential taxes or fines on US tech firms.
Why it matters
Algorithmic feeds often use psychological triggers like operant conditioning to maximize user engagement. This legislative push mirrors global efforts to curb digital addiction, including proposed EU restrictions for children under 15 and legal challenges in India. The Australian debate centers on balancing user protection with free speech.
What is confirmed
- Proposed Australian laws would require technology platforms, gaming apps, and AI chatbots to offer users a switch-off button for algorithmic feeds.
- Non-compliant technology companies face severe civil penalties.
Still unconfirmed
- The proposed law promises Australians more freedom rather than less.
What to watch next
- White House response to potential civil penalties on US tech companies.
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (5)
- www.theguardian.com — The right is wrong about digital duty of care. It promises Australians more freedom, not less
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Australia Coalition Condemns Proposed Social Media Laws
Australia faces growing domestic political pushback over digital regulation as the federal Coalition condemns the government's proposed Digital Duty of Care legislation. This opposition arrives while the government pushes draft laws requiring technology platforms, gaming apps, and artificial intelligence chatbots to offer users a switch-off button for algorithmic feeds. The broader legislative framework aims to limit exposure to harmful content and test whether chronological interfaces improve user experiences. Non-compliant technology companies face severe civil penalties, drawing international scrutiny from the White House regarding potential fines or taxes on the United States tech sector.
Why it matters
The debate over digital safety legislation highlights tensions between government regulation of technology platforms and international trade concerns. Lawmakers continue to debate the balance between protecting citizens from online harms and preserving open access to automated recommendation feeds. Domestic opposition from the Coalition adds further friction to a busy parliamentary period already marked by intense debate over political accountability and technological integration.
What is confirmed
- The Coalition condemns the government's proposed Digital Duty of Care legislation.
- The Australian government introduced draft laws requiring social media platforms, AI chatbots, and gaming apps to provide a switch-off button for algorithmic feeds.
- The White House has warned against imposing fines or taxes on the US tech sector in response to the plan.
What to watch next
- Parliamentary debates and votes on the Digital Duty of Care legislation.
- Further responses from technology companies and the United States government regarding proposed penalties.
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (4)
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Australia proposes mandatory opt-out for social media algorithms
The Australian government introduced draft laws this week requiring social media platforms, AI chatbots, and gaming apps to provide a switch-off button for algorithmic feeds. The proposal, titled My Feed My Way, allows users to bypass automated recommendations in favor of more control over their content interfaces. Non-compliant technology companies face massive civil penalties. The measure aims to reduce exposure to harmful content and test if chronological feeds improve user experiences. The White House has warned against imposing fines or taxes on the US tech sector in response to the plan.
Why it matters
This legislation follows previous government initiatives including bans on social media for teenagers. It targets the way platforms use browsing habits and personal information to deliver content. The move signals a broader effort by the Labor government to regulate digital safety.
What is confirmed
- Draft laws unveiled in parliament this week would allow Australians to opt out of social media algorithms.
- The proposed legislation requires social media platforms, AI chatbots, and gaming apps to provide a switch-off button for feeds.
- Technology companies that do not comply with the digital safety rules face financial penalties.
Still unconfirmed
- The White House warned trading partners against imposing digital services taxes, fines, and other forms of extortion on the US tech sector.
What to watch next
- The formal vote on the My Feed My Way proposal in parliament
- Official response from US tech giants regarding the opt-out requirement
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (7)
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- www.latestly.com — Australia Social Media Ban Update: Country Plans Mandatory Switch Off Button for Feeds, Says Report
- www.theguardian.com — Trump administration to confront Australia over Labor’s social media algorithm plan
- www.econotimes.com — Australia Defends Social Media Algorithm Law Amid US Concerns
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Australia proposes bill allowing social media algorithm opt-out
Australia has unveiled a landmark bill targeting major technology companies by giving social media users the choice to switch off automated recommendation algorithms. The proposed legislation, introduced by the Labor government, seeks to improve online safety, reduce exposure to harmful content, and allow citizens to shift from algorithmic feeds to follow-only formats. This follows previous government efforts including teen social media bans, and the new rules would affect social media platforms, search engines, and artificial intelligence chatbots. Technology giants face potential financial penalties for non-compliance with the digital safety rules.
Why it matters
The government frames the initiative as a way to increase user control and address addictive digital feeds. However, the proposal has drawn criticism from political opponents who argue it grants the government excessive power over digital platforms, alongside some White House criticism. Despite external pushback, the Australian administration maintains strong ties with the United States.
What is confirmed
- Australia has proposed new legislation allowing social media users to opt out of recommendation algorithms.
- The rules form part of the Digital Duty of Care bill unveiled by the Labor government.
- The legislation aims to target big tech platforms, search engines, and artificial intelligence chatbots.
- The White House has criticized the social media reforms.
Still unconfirmed
- Political opponents argue the bill grants the Labor government excessive power over digital platforms.
What to watch next
- Legislative debates and votes on the Digital Duty of Care bill in the Australian parliament
- Responses and compliance strategies from major technology companies affected by the proposed rules
- Further developments regarding United States reactions to the Australian digital safety reforms
confidence 95%Sources used for this update (18)
- The Guardian — ‘Global reckoning for big tech’: Australia to force social media giants to allow users to opt out of algorithm
- The Guardian — Australia politics live: Labor unveils ‘my feed, my way’ rules to allow everyone to opt in or out of social media algorithms
- ABC News & Headlines – Australian Broadcasting Corporation — Live: 'Global reckoning for big tech': PM unveils Digital Duty of Care bill
- Bloomberg.com — Australia Sets Up New Big Tech Fight With Bid to Block Targeting
- The Guardian — Social media users could opt out of the algorithm if Australian government has its way – but that’s a big if
- reuters.com — Australia targets social media algorithms with new user-choice rules
- WSJ — Australian Govt To Allow Opt Out Of Social Media Algorithms
- The New York Times — Australian Social Media Users Could Get Power to Switch Off Algorithms
- 10TV — Australian social media users to be offered choice to opt out of algorithms
- CNBC — Australia to let social media users 'opt out' of algorithm-based feeds in fresh blow to big tech
- qz.com — Australia proposes social media algorithm opt-out for users
- gizmodo.com — Australians Could Soon Opt Out of Social Media Algorithms Altogether
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Australia Proposes Law to Let Users Opt Out of Social Media Algorithms
The Australian government is planning legislation that would force social media platforms to allow users to switch off recommendation algorithms. This proposed law targets Big Tech by giving citizens the choice to opt out of the automated systems that curate their feeds. While the government presents this as a way to increase user control, some political opponents argue the bill grants the Labor government excessive power over digital platforms.
Why it matters
Social media algorithms determine what content users see, often creating echo chambers or prioritizing engagement over accuracy. This legislative move aims to curb the influence of Big Tech over information consumption. It represents a shift toward stricter government regulation of algorithmic transparency and user autonomy.
What is confirmed
- Planned legislation in Australia would allow users to switch off social media algorithms.
- The proposed law requires social media platforms to offer an algorithm opt-out.
- The legislation targets Big Tech algorithms.
Still unconfirmed
- Hume claims the Labor algorithm bill gives the government too much power.
- The rules would be a world-first.
What to watch next
- The formal introduction of the bill to parliament
- Responses from Big Tech companies regarding technical implementation
- The final wording of the legislation concerning government oversight powers
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (8)
- Yahoo — Australians could opt out of social media algorithms under new law
- BBC — Australians will be able to switch off social media algorithms under planned legislation
- Al Jazeera — Australia’s proposed ‘opt out’ law targets Big Tech algorithms
- The Guardian — Australia politics live: Hume claims Labor’s algorithm bill gives it too much power; embattled developer Bathla stands down 200 workers
- ABC News & Headlines – Australian Broadcasting Corporation — Social media platforms to be forced to offer algorithm opt-out
- www.startupdaily.net — The Australian government’s ‘opt out’ plan for social media algorithms, explained
- www.nzherald.co.nz — Australia wants to allow users to opt out of social media algorithms
- www.aol.com — Australia to set world-first rules allowing users to opt out of Big Tech algorithms
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