- The draft laws, released for consultation on Tuesday, would allow the government to require platforms to give Australians the choice between algorithmically recommended posts and videos, or a feed showing only accounts they follow.
- The federal government proposes an opt-in/opt-out system where platforms like TikTok, Instagram, or Facebook would be required to send account holders a push notification asking them to decide if they receive recommended content.
- Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the new "My Feed, My Way" initiative was "not about government control" but about "giving people control" and "putting choice back into the hands of Australians online."
- The law would also require social media platforms to switch off features like personalised algorithms and endless scrolling for any users aged under 16.
- Shadow communications minister Sarah Henderson said the opposition would look at the detail but believed the current draft was an "absolute threat to free speech," giving the minister "unfettered powers" to regulate anything she considers harmful.
- Nationals leader Matt Canavan voiced concerns about the duty being used to censor content online, saying he was "deeply sceptical of giving any government the power to decide what you read on your phone."
- The algorithm controls are part of broader "Digital Duty of Care" draft laws that shift responsibility onto big tech to proactively reduce foreseeable harms or face fines of more than $100 million.
- Communications Minister Anika Wells said people would be able to choose "over and over" if they repeatedly changed their mind, and that "lots of people will want to choose the algorithm" — respecting that choice.
Australia's federal government has unveiled a proposal allowing users to opt out of social media algorithms through the 'My Feed, My Way' initiative, aiming to enhance user control online.
The initiative, part of the broader "Digital Duty of Care" draft laws, mandates platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook to notify users about their content preferences.
Communications Minister Anika Wells emphasized that users can change their preferences repeatedly, stating, "The reality is that lots of people will want to choose the algorithm. That's their choice. We respect that choice."
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese clarified that the initiative is not about government control but about empowering users: "It's about giving people control. It's about putting choice back into the hands of Australians online."
However, the proposal has sparked concerns regarding free speech. Shadow Communications Minister Sarah Henderson labeled it an "absolute threat to free speech", arguing it grants the minister excessive regulatory powers.
Matt Canavan, leader of the Nationals, echoed these concerns, expressing skepticism about government authority over content: "I'm deeply sceptical of giving any government the power to decide what you read on your phone."
The draft laws also aim to protect younger users by disabling personalized algorithms for those under 16, reflecting a growing concern over online safety.
As the consultation period begins, the government faces a balancing act between user empowerment and safeguarding free speech.
“The draft laws, released for consultation on Tuesday, would also require platforms to switch off personalized algorithms and endless scrolling for users under 16. Communications Minister Anika Wells said people could choose 'over and over' if they change their mind, while opposition critics call it an 'absolute threat to free speech.'”
ABC News & Headlines – Australian Broadcasting Corporation
