My Feed, My Way
The Australian government has released draft legislation for a 'Digital Duty of Care,' including a 'My Feed, My Way' initiative to give users control over social media algorithms. The laws aim to protect under-18s from harmful design features and content, and empower eSafety to issue removal notices and streamline cyber-bullying schemes.
Why it matters
This legislation represents a significant move by a Western government to regulate social media platforms, potentially setting a precedent for user control over algorithms and enhanced protection for minors online globally.
The Albanese Government is taking the next step following its world leading social media age ban to ensure Australians have more choice online, with draft legislation for the Digital Duty of Care released today for targeted consultation.
These new laws will put the onus on digital service providers to provide a safe online environment, setting minimum standards for the features and tools they use.
This will include an Australian first, “My Feed, My Way,” initiative which will give Australians control over their social media algorithms.
Social media platforms will be required to send a notification to new and existing users offering them a choice over their default feed.
Users can choose to opt in to having their default feed include personalised content recommended by the algorithm. Alternatively, users can opt out of personally recommended content in their default feed and see the friends and creators they choose to follow.
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