Australia to let social media users 'opt out' of algorithm-based feeds
The Australian government is proposing legislation that would allow social media users to opt out of algorithm-based feeds in favor of chronological or creator-focused content. The bill also includes protections for minors against addictive design features and threatens significant fines for non-compliant tech companies.
Why it matters
This represents a significant escalation in global regulatory efforts to curb the influence of Big Tech algorithms and protect user mental health.
Australia plans to give social media users the ability to switch off algorithm-based feeds in proposed legislation, making the latest move by governments and regulators to rein in Big Tech this year.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's government said Tuesday that it's proposing the "My Feed, My Way" initiative, which would force social media platforms to allow users over the age of 16 to either opt into having a feed that recommends personalized content by an algorithm or "opt out," so they can only see content from friends and creators they choose to follow.
The legislation, which is being drafted and released Tuesday for targeted consultation, would require platforms to send notifications to new and existing users so they can choose their default feed. Social media companies that fail to comply could face penalties of up to 109.2 million Australian dollars ($79 million).
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