Australia plans law to protect children from harmful content

The Australian government is preparing to introduce landmark legislation that would oblige social media companies to give users the ability to turn off personalized recommendation algorithms.

The Australian government is preparing to introduce landmark legislation that would oblige social media companies to give users the ability to turn off personalized recommendation algorithms.

Communications Minister Anika Wells told the ABC national broadcaster that social media platforms could be forced to give users in Australia the option to turn off “powerful” algorithms under draft laws to be unveiled by the government this week.

The draft legislation introduces a mandatory “digital duty of care” for technology platforms operating within the country.

If approved, the law would require corporations such as Meta to provide clear mechanisms for users to switch off engagement-driven algorithms that compile feeds based on personal data.

Many users appreciate algorithmic recommendations, and the federal government argues that big tech firms must offer a transparent choice rather than forcing engagement-maximizing loops onto the public.

“A lot of Australians appreciate the algorithm, both for the enjoyment they get out of it or the utility they get out of it,” Anika Wells said.

Australia’s opposition leader, Angus Taylor, expressed concern that the Coalition had not yet seen the Labor government’s bill.

“I am deeply skeptical. 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 on the ABC.

The upcoming bill follows Australia’s introduction of world-first minimum age restrictions barring children under 16 from holding social media accounts.

In December, Australia banned under-16s from accessing social media platforms as part of a world-first crackdown designed to protect children from online bullying and “predatory algorithms”.

The United Kingdom, France and others have since followed suit.

It has been found that the use of social media apps such as Instagram and TikTok is increasing among children in Australia.

The proposed legislation would require companies like Meta to undertake what the government calls a digital duty of care as it steps up efforts to tackle online harm.