Donald Trump has criticised the Australian government led by Anthony Albanese over proposed social media legislation that could impose fines of up to $100 million on major US technology companies. The draft laws, known as the "My Feed, My Way" digital duty of care initiative, would require platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and TikTok to let users opt out of algorithm-driven feeds and would set minimum safety standards to protect people from harmful content. The row matters because it pits Washington's defence of American tech firms against Canberra's push for stronger online safety rules, building on Australia's existing under-16 social media ban.

Under the proposal, platforms would have to offer users a choice between a personalised, algorithm-recommended feed and one showing only content from accounts they follow, presented via a pop-up option. Companies would also need to protect users from material including child exploitation content, terrorism promotion, pornography, eating-disorder content and misogynistic material, and to carry out regular risk assessments for the eSafety Commissioner. A White House spokesman warned that Trump has repeatedly cautioned trading partners against fines and "extortion" targeting US tech firms, while domestically the plan has also drawn criticism from Australia's opposition and One Nation, who argue it hands the communications minister excessive power to define "harmful content" and risks government censorship — a charge Albanese rejects, saying it simply gives users control over what they see.