Australia’s plan to let users opt out of social media algorithms | Explained
Australia has introduced draft legislation for a 'Digital Duty of Care' that allows users to opt out of algorithm-driven social media feeds. The law also mandates that tech companies protect minors from harmful content and addictive features.
Why it matters
This represents a significant global shift toward stricter government regulation of social media platforms and algorithmic transparency.
The story so far: Australia has announced a plan to offer social media users greater control over their feed by providing them a choice to opt out of algorithm-driven feed. Part of the country’s push for greater online safety norms, the plan ensures that Australian users have more choice on what they see online. The draft legislation for the Digital Duty of Care was released on Tuesday (September 8, 2026) for targeted consultation.
The Australian government has said that the new laws will place the burden on social media companies to provide a safe online experience for users.
“The digital duty of care will ensure online service providers – including some of the most powerful companies in the world – step up and do more to keep Australians safe from harm on their platforms,” said Australian Minister for Communications Anika Wells.
Also covering this story
2 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
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