Australians will be able to switch off social media algorithms under planned legislation
Summary
The Australian government plans to introduce new laws that would require social media companies to let users turn off algorithms, the software that decides what content they see. The proposal aims to give people more control over their social media feeds and improve online safety, especially after a previous ban on social media use by children under 16.Key Facts
- Australians may soon be able to switch off social media algorithms under new draft legislation.
- Communications Minister Anika Wells said tech companies like Meta, Google, and TikTok must offer this choice or face big penalties.
- The government is still deciding whether users would have to opt in or opt out of algorithm-driven content.
- Some politicians criticize the move, with concerns it could lead to censorship.
- The new rules aim to increase safety by making social media platforms responsible for harmful content like illegal porn and disordered eating promotion.
- Despite the under-16s social media ban introduced last year, most children under 16 still access these platforms.
- The legislation will build on existing digital duty of care laws that require companies to manage risks on their platforms.
- Experts and advocates, like Chanel Contos, support the idea, saying algorithms contribute to online harm such as exposure to violent or harmful content.
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