World

Australia Unveils Draft Law Giving Social Media Users Control Over Algorithms

By Swati Gandhi

Australia's government has introduced draft legislation that would let social media users opt out of platform algorithms, a move that could intensify global efforts to regulate major technology companies and address online harm. The bill, called the Digital Duty of Care, was put forward by the Labour government on Tuesday and would give users across the country the ability to manage algorithm-based recommendations, block suggested content, and customize what appears in their feeds, according to a Bloomberg report. The proposal could lead to friction between the Australian government and platform operators such as Meta and TikTok. It follows Australia's move last year to become the first country to ban social media access for children under 16, a decision that prompted other governments worldwide to consider similar restrictions. Communications Minister Anika Wells addressed the proposal at a press conference, noting, "There's been some seismic cases in the past few weeks," and describing the bill as "our contribution." Under the duty-of-care framework, technology companies would be required to incorporate safety features into their products, adding new obligations to how major platforms operate. The draft legislation would require platform operators to notify both new and existing users that they have a choice regarding their default feed settings. Digital services, including online games, apps, and AI chatbots, would be required to protect users under 18 from design features linked to negative behavioral effects, such as addictive elements or features that could harm a young person's self-esteem. The bill also targets specific categories of content, including material promoting hostility toward women or opposing gender equality, pornographic content, content glorifying criminal activity or dangerous stunts, and content causing severe mental distress such as abuse or bullying. The proposal arrives as governments and regulators in the United States and European Union increase scrutiny of social media platforms through lawsuits, investigations, and new rules addressing online harms. Last month, Meta Platforms, the parent company of Instagram and Facebook, agreed to pay approximately $18 billion to settle lawsuits brought by US states over social media-related claims. As part of that settlement, Meta agreed to implement new safeguards, including limits on how long young users can scroll and measures preventing them from disabling certain safety settings without parental consent. Meta also faces ongoing regulatory scrutiny in the European Union over concerns that its products are addictive to children. Details of Australia's draft bill and how it will be implemented have not yet been fully disclosed, leaving questions about its eventual impact on the operations of major social media platforms and their approach to online safety.