Toxic algorithms wouldn’t let them go – now Australia wants an off switch
Australia has introduced proposed laws that would let social media users switch off algorithmic recommendations and see posts only from accounts they follow. The government says the change could protect people from harmful content, while critics question whether the measures are workable and warn they could affect free speech.
Varsha Yajman says recommendation feeds repeatedly showed her weight-loss and eating-disorder content, even after she used safety settings. Flynn Martin describes being drawn into misogynistic influencer content during a period of poor mental health; he later experienced psychosis and was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. The reforms would also impose a legal duty of care on online services, while technology companies argue their existing safety tools are effective.
- Australia proposes a switch to turn off recommended social media content.
- Two people say algorithmic feeds amplified harmful material during vulnerable periods.
- The proposed laws would also create a duty of care for online services.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Supporters argue that people should be able to choose a feed limited to accounts they follow, particularly when recommendation systems keep surfacing harmful material despite users’ safety settings. They say an enforceable duty of care would give platforms a stronger incentive to reduce foreseeable risks and give users more control over what they see.
The case against
Critics argue that a chronological or follow-only feed may not be a practical safeguard for every user, and that the proposed duty of care could be difficult to define and enforce. They also worry that pressure to limit harmful content could lead platforms to remove or suppress lawful speech, while existing safety tools may already address some of these risks.