US criticises Australia's proposed algorithm opt-out laws as 'censorship'

Share Save Add as preferred on Google Lana Lam Sydney "Good to have choice": Australians on opting-out of social media algorithms The US has criticised Australia's proposal to give users the ability to opt out of social media algorithms, saying it amounts to "censorship of protected speech".

Under Australia's draft digital duty of care laws, tech firms risk hefty fines if they fail to give users the option to turn off algorithms in a bid to protect them from harmful content.

In a rare submission to the proposed laws, the US embassy in Canberra said it had "serious concerns" and allowing the government to "enforce vague definitions of 'harm'" would lead to "viewpoint-based censorship".

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the legislation was not about giving governments control but giving it back to individuals.