Australia Proposes Legislation Allowing Users to Opt Out of Social Media Algorithms

Australia is considering new legislation that would allow users to opt out of social media algorithms. Communications Minister Anika Wells announced on Monday that the draft law, which requires a "digital duty of care," is expected to be introduced to parliament this week. The proposed law would mandate companies like Meta to provide users with the option to disable algorithms that personalize content recommendations. Wells stated, "A lot of Australians appreciate the algorithm, both for the enjoyment they get out of it or the utility they get out of it. A lot of Australians will want to choose the algorithm -- but we think that big tech should offer them the choice in the first place, and they should respect that choice." This initiative follows previous legislation in Australia that barred children from social media platforms, aimed at protecting them from online bullying and harmful algorithms. Despite the ban, data indicated that under-16s in Australia are increasing their use of social media apps such as Instagram and TikTok.