Australian social media users to be offered choice to opt out of algorithms

PUBLISHED Sep 8, 2026, 12:02 PM ET

Australia has proposed landmark legislation requiring social media platforms to provide users aged 16 and older with the option to opt out of engagement algorithms. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced the Digital Duty of Care framework on Tuesday, aiming to grant individuals greater control over their feed curation. The proposed laws also mandate stringent safeguards to protect children from harmful material, including content promoting eating disorders, self-harm, pornography, and dangerous stunts. Under the legislation, major tech companies failing to comply face penalties reaching up to 109.2 million Australian dollars. Platforms must send notifications to all users prompting them to choose their preferred feed settings. This regulatory push builds upon Australia's enactment of world-first legislation prohibiting children under 16 from maintaining accounts on major platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok. Industry stakeholders anticipate significant pushback regarding the technical feasibility and commercial impact of altering core algorithmic delivery models across global platforms operating within the Australian market.

By Daniel Hayes | JQJO News

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 24
Right Leaning:: 5
Left Leaning:: 1
Neutral:: 18

Explain Framing

Left: Framing emphasizes consumer protection and accountability for big technology corporations. Center: Framing focuses neutrally on government policy announcements and penalties. Right: Framing highlights potential government overreach and burdens on enterprise innovation.