Australians could opt out of social media algorithms under new law

Live updates

1. 1h ago

   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
   Sources used for this update (7)

   1. www.nbcnews.com — Australia proposes law allowing social media users to opt out of algorithms
   2. www.miragenews.com — Australia May Cut Social Media Algorithms Under New Law
   3. www.techjuice.pk — Could Removing Algorithms Fix Social Media?
   4. www.dailysabah.com — More than a feed: How social media algorithms shape what we see
   5. www.latestly.com — Australia Social Media Ban Update: Country Plans Mandatory Switch Off Button for Feeds, Says Report
   6. www.theguardian.com — Trump administration to confront Australia over Labor’s social media algorithm plan
   7. www.econotimes.com — Australia Defends Social Media Algorithm Law Amid US Concerns
   confidence 90%
2. 20h ago

   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
   Sources used for this update (18)

   1. The Guardian — ‘Global reckoning for big tech’: Australia to force social media giants to allow users to opt out of algorithm
   2. The Guardian — Australia politics live: Labor unveils ‘my feed, my way’ rules to allow everyone to opt in or out of social media algorithms
   3. ABC News & Headlines – Australian Broadcasting Corporation — Live: 'Global reckoning for big tech': PM unveils Digital Duty of Care bill
   4. Bloomberg.com — Australia Sets Up New Big Tech Fight With Bid to Block Targeting
   5. The Guardian — Social media users could opt out of the algorithm if Australian government has its way – but that’s a big if
   6. reuters.com — Australia targets social media algorithms with new user-choice rules
   7. WSJ — Australian Govt To Allow Opt Out Of Social Media Algorithms
   8. The New York Times — Australian Social Media Users Could Get Power to Switch Off Algorithms
   9. 10TV — Australian social media users to be offered choice to opt out of algorithms
   10. CNBC — Australia to let social media users 'opt out' of algorithm-based feeds in fresh blow to big tech
   11. qz.com — Australia proposes social media algorithm opt-out for users
   12. gizmodo.com — Australians Could Soon Opt Out of Social Media Algorithms Altogether
   confidence 95%
3. 2d ago

   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
   Sources used for this update (8)

   1. Yahoo — Australians could opt out of social media algorithms under new law
   2. BBC — Australians will be able to switch off social media algorithms under planned legislation
   3. Al Jazeera — Australia’s proposed ‘opt out’ law targets Big Tech algorithms
   4. The Guardian — Australia politics live: Hume claims Labor’s algorithm bill gives it too much power; embattled developer Bathla stands down 200 workers
   5. ABC News & Headlines – Australian Broadcasting Corporation — Social media platforms to be forced to offer algorithm opt-out
   6. www.startupdaily.net — The Australian government’s ‘opt out’ plan for social media algorithms, explained
   7. www.nzherald.co.nz — Australia wants to allow users to opt out of social media algorithms
   8. www.aol.com — Australia to set world-first rules allowing users to opt out of Big Tech algorithms
   confidence 90%