Australians could opt out of social media algorithms under new law
The draft would require platforms to offer a chronological feed and could trigger fines of up to $100 million for noncompliance.
- On Monday, Communications Minister Anika Wells announced draft legislation requiring social media platforms to offer Australians an opt-out for powerful algorithms, with fines of up to $100m for non-compliance.
- The proposed 'digital duty of care' aims to mitigate online harm, building on a December 2025 law that banned social media for users under 16 to protect children from bullying and predatory algorithms.
- Platforms would need to issue regular pop-ups asking users to switch to chronological feeds; experts warn this could impact ad inventory, though Apple's tracking prompt saw an opt-out rate of about 27% in Australia.
- Wells stressed the legislation prioritizes user choice, stating, "We should give Australians more choice over what they should see on their feeds," while denying claims the government is attempting to censor the internet.
- Opposition leader Angus Taylor expressed skepticism about the government's motives, telling News24 on Monday he fears the legislation could become "an attempt by the government to censor social media.
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What does a post-algorithm life looks like for advertisers?
Social media platforms may soon be required by law to allow Australians to opt out of the algorithms used to serve content into their feeds. While the laws are designed to protect users from online harm, they could also impact the effectiveness of online advertising. This algorithm requirement is one aspect of the government’s Digital […]
Radio France Internationale
Australians could opt out of social media algorithms under new law
The draft law requiring a "digital duty of care" is expected to be introduced to Australia's parliament this week. It would require firms like Meta to give users the option of turning off algorithms that tailor recommendations to their personal taste. "A lot of Australians appreciate the algorithm, both for the enjoyment they get out of it or the utility they get out of it," Communications Minister Anika Wells told national broadcaster ABC. "A l…
Will Australia make opt-in social media algorithms the law? - ABC listen
Australians could soon have more control over what they see on social media under proposed digital duty of care laws. The reforms would force major platforms to reduce harm and could expose companies to significant fines, while debate continues over algorithms, online safety, and freedom of speech.
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