Instagram chief thinks a chronological feed is ‘much worse’ and says the quiet part out loud

Live updates

1. 2d ago

   Australia Considers Opt-Outs for Social Media Algorithms

   Australian social media users may receive the choice to opt out of online algorithms under a proposal pushed by Labor. The initiative sparks broader debate about digital harm and algorithmic feeds, mirroring past European regulatory friction where the Netherlands forced Meta to let users ditch algorithmic feeds. Meanwhile, Instagram chief views chronological feeds as much worse. Australia also sees no threat to US ties following White House criticism over social media reforms.

   Why it matters

   Governments and tech platforms increasingly clash over how content is served to users, balancing automated engagement against transparency and safety. The debate touches on whether algorithmic curation protects users or creates harmful digital machinery. International precedents, such as regulatory action in the Netherlands, show that forcing platform changes remains contentious.

   What is confirmed

   • Australian social media users are to be offered a choice to opt out of algorithms under a Labor proposal.
   • Australia sees no threat to US ties following White House criticism of social media reforms.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The Instagram chief stated that a chronological feed is much worse.

   What to watch next

   • Whether the Labor proposal wins Coalition support after proposed changes by Wells
   • Further regulatory enforcement or platform compliance updates regarding algorithmic opt-outs
   Sources used for this update (7)

   1. NPR — Australian social media users to be offered choice to opt out of algorithms
   2. The Guardian — Labor wants Australians to be able to opt out of online algorithms. How will it change your feed?
   3. The Guardian — The Orwellian machinery critics are desperate to protect is the algorithms, not laws that seek to reduce harm | Ed Coper
   4. Reuters — Australia sees no threat to US ties after White House criticism of social media reforms
   5. The Conversation — The Netherlands forced Meta to let users ditch algorithmic feeds. Here’s what happened
   6. 9to5Google — Instagram chief thinks a chronological feed is ‘much worse’ and says the quiet part out loud
   7. ABC News & Headlines – Australian Broadcasting Corporation — Wells willing to change digital harm proposal to win Coalition support
   confidence 85%