Australia drafts law to let users opt out of social media algorithms
Australia's government is preparing legislation that would let people opt out of algorithm-driven content on social media, though opposition lawmakers have criticized the plan as potential censorship.
Australia's government plans to introduce legislation in coming days that would give social media users the right to opt out of algorithms shaping their feeds, the BBC reports. Communications Minister Anika Wells announced the plan, saying an industry that has never offered such a choice would now be required to provide users with basic protections.
According to Wells, tech companies including Meta, Google and TikTok would face significant penalties if they fail to offer users the option to turn off algorithm-driven content. The government still plans to consult experts on whether users should have to opt out of algorithms or instead opt in to them.
Opposition pushback
Liberal Party leader Angus Taylor voiced skepticism, comparing the proposal to censorship, and argued the government should first fix its existing social media ban for children. Some opposition figures support the idea in principle, while others call it an attempt to restrict free speech. Wells rejected the censorship characterization, saying the goal is to identify risks and give users more control over what appears in their feeds.
The minister acknowledged that many Australians value algorithms for entertainment and convenience, but stressed that tech giants must respect users' choices regardless. She also noted that no company has yet been penalized for failing to comply with the existing social media ban for under-16s, even though research shows most young people who used social media before the ban took effect are still using it.
Beyond the algorithm opt-out, the bill would also require platforms to curb the spread of harmful content, such as illegal pornography or videos promoting eating disorders.
