Australia could make social media algorithms optional and follow UK ban on pornography depicting strangulation
The Australian government is considering new regulations to allow users to opt out of social media algorithms and is reviewing a potential ban on violent pornography. Minister Tanya Plibersek cited concerns that algorithms are fueling misogyny and sexual violence among teenagers.
Why it matters
This reflects a growing global trend of governments attempting to hold social media platforms accountable for the psychological and behavioral impacts of their recommendation engines.
The social services minister, Tanya Plibersek, has told ABC’s Insiders that social media algorithms are deliberately feeding boys and men violent content. Photograph: Bianca de Marchi/AAP The social services minister, Tanya Plibersek, has told ABC’s Insiders that social media algorithms are deliberately feeding boys and men violent content. Photograph: Bianca de Marchi/AAP Australia news Australia could make social media algorithms optional and follow UK ban on pornography depicting strangulation Social services minister says social media was playing a role in the increase of sexual violence among teenagers
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Prefer the Guardian on Google The Australian government is considering allowing users to opt in or opt out of social media algorithms, and is looking at a recent UK ban on depictions of strangulation and suffocation in pornography.
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