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Agence France-Presse

Australians could be given the option of opting out of powerful social media algorithms under new legislation cracking down on big tech, a minister said on Monday.
The draft law requiring a “digital duty of care” is expected to be introduced to Australia’s parliament this week.
It would require firms like Meta Platforms to give users the option of turning off algorithms that tailor recommendations to their personal taste.
“A lot of Australians appreciate the algorithm, both for the enjoyment they get out of it or the utility they get out of it,” Communications Minister Anika Wells told national broadcaster ABC.
“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,” she said
“We should give Australians more choice over what they should see on their feeds.”

Social media firms have long faced scrutiny over their use of allegedly addictive algorithms and stand accused of directing users to sensational or extreme content to keep them scrolling. Under the broader duty of care, tech giants could face fines exceeding A$100 million (US$72 million) for directing users towards “harmful content” through algorithmic recommendation systems, according to local news channel News24.
Australia’s opposition leader, Angus Taylor, told ABC that the coalition had not seen the Labour government’s bill.
“I am deeply sceptical. I fear that this is going to be an attempt by the government to censor social media, but as I say, we haven’t seen it. Let’s see what the government comes forward with,” he said.
Australia implemented legislation barring children from social media platforms in December, part of a world-first crackdown designed to protect children from online bullying and “predatory algorithms”.
The UK, France and others have followed suit.
Data last month found that under 16s in Australia were increasing their use of social media applications such as Instagram and TikTok despite the ban.
Additional reporting by SCMP’s Asia Desk


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Australia

Australians could opt out of social media algorithms under proposed law

Children look at a phone screen with social media networking applcations displayed in December, in Sydney, Australia. Photo: Getty Images/TNS

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Communications Minister Anika Wells speak at a press conference discussing the country’s social media ban for under-16s, in Canberra, Australia, in June. Photo: Reuters

New Zealand plans social media ban for under-16s backed by big fines

The bill would require social ​media platforms operating in New Zealand to take reasonable steps to verify users’ ages. Photo: Getty Images/TNS

New ⁠Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s proposed bill follows several other countries that have introduced similar measures, including Australia, which became the first country to ban social media for children. Photo: AP

Australia PM: ‘too many children on social media’, ban too easy to avoid

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese speaks at Question Time in the House of Representatives at Australian Parliament House in 2024, in Canberra. Photo: TNS

Three boys use their phones while sitting outside a school in Sydney in 2025. Photo: AP

UK to ban under 16s from social media apps including TikTok, YouTube

Students from Ricards Lodge and Rutlish High Schools in Wimbledon, the UK, look at their mobile phones during an interview and discussion about their thoughts on a social media ban for under 16s. Photo: Reuters

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer speaks at 10 Downing Street on Monday, announcing government action to protect children online. Photo: Carlos/Jasso/PA Wire/dpa

Students from Ricards Lodge High School in Wimbledon look at their mobile phones in February. Photo: Reuters

A message that reads “Let them be kids” is projected onto the Sydney Harbour Bridge  in December 2025 to mark a law banning social media for users under 16 in Australia. Photo: Reuters

Canada moves to ban under-16s from social media, regulate AI

Australia and Indonesia have put in place social media bans for young users, while several European governments have announced their desire to make similar moves. Photo illustration: EPA

Children hold posters with pictures of shooting victims at a makeshift memorial in the town of Tumbler Ridge, Canada, in February. Photo: Reuters

News

Asia

Australasia

The government’s digital duty of care bill forces big tech to offer chronological feeds, but the opposition raises doubts over enforcement


The government’s digital duty of care bill forces big tech to offer chronological feeds, but the opposition raises doubts over enforcement.


Britain

France

Meta Platforms

Australians could opt out of social media algorithms under proposed law

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}The government’s digital duty of care bill forces big tech to offer chronological feeds, but the opposition raises doubts over enforcement

The government’s digital duty of care bill forces big tech to offer chronological feeds, but the opposition raises doubts over enforcement