Australians will be able to switch off social media algorithms under planned legislation
Australia's government plans to introduce draft legislation this week that would require social media companies to let users switch off content-recommendation algorithms, as part of new "digital duty of care" laws. Communications Minister Anika Wells said the move aims to impose "basic safety protections" on tech firms such as Meta, Google and TikTok, which she argued have so far escaped such obligations, with "substantial" penalties proposed for non-compliance. The proposal follows Australia's world-first ban on social media for under-16s and reflects growing government pressure on tech platforms, though it has drawn criticism from some opposition figures who fear it could amount to censorship.
Wells said the government would seek expert advice on whether users should have to opt in or opt out of algorithm-driven feeds, with legislation likely to precede full details of implementation, mirroring the approach taken with the under-16s ban. Liberal leader Angus Taylor voiced scepticism, while acknowledging no tech company has yet been fined for failing to enforce the existing ban, despite most under-16s who were previously on these platforms continuing to use them. Consent advocate Chanel Contos has separately urged an opt-in model, citing concerns that algorithms fuel exposure to sexual violence and misogynistic content among young people. The draft law is also expected to require platforms to curb harmful content such as illegal pornography and material promoting disordered eating.
In short
- Australia plans laws letting users switch off social media algorithms
- Firms like Meta and TikTok could face "substantial" penalties
- Opposition split, with some warning of possible censorship concerns
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Supporters argue that requiring platforms to offer a non-algorithmic feed would give users more control over what they see and reduce the spread of harmful material, especially to young people. They see a digital duty of care as a reasonable safety obligation for companies whose recommendation systems can shape users’ exposure to content.
The case against
Critics argue that compelling platforms to change how feeds work risks giving government too much influence over what people can see, raising legitimate concerns about censorship and personal choice. They may also question whether broad rules can be enforced fairly and effectively, given the acknowledged difficulties in enforcing the existing under-16s ban.
Explained simply
Social media platforms such as Instagram, YouTube and TikTok use algorithms to choose and rank posts for each user. These systems draw on signals such as what people watch or click, aiming to show them content they are likely to engage with.
Governments are debating how much responsibility platforms should have for the effects of their services. Australia has already passed a law restricting social media use by children under 16, and is developing broader rules that would require companies to address certain harmful material.
The debate involves the government, technology companies and people concerned about online safety and free expression. It matters because changing how feeds work could affect what users see, while rules on harmful content could shape how platforms moderate posts.
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