Australia has proposed new laws that would require social media platforms to let users decide whether they want algorithmically recommended content in their feeds, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced on Tuesday, as per a recent report by Reuters.
Under the draft legislation, platforms would have to notify users about their default feed and offer a choice. Users could opt in to personalised, algorithm-driven recommendations, or opt out and instead see only posts from friends and creators they follow. The initiative is called "My Feed, My Way."
According to the Reuters report on the matter, Albanese described the proposal as "sensible, pragmatic, practical reform." He said it "gives users choice and it will hold the big tech companies responsible for inaction if they don't follow our laws."
The plan follows Australia's earlier world-first ban on social media for children under 16. It also draws comparisons to the European Union's Digital Services Act, which since 2024 has required platforms to offer users the option of switching off profiling, adds the Reuters report. That rollout faced criticism from regulators who said the opt-out process was not simple enough.
Social media companies are under growing global scrutiny over concerns that algorithms encourage addictive behaviour. Albanese said the new rules would also require platforms to document how they address risks of harm to Australian users.
Failure to comply could attract penalties of up to A$109.2 million ($79 million), with the eSafety regulator responsible for enforcement. The commissioner would also gain power to issue notices requiring swift removal of harmful, nudity-related, and illegal content.
Free speech advocates have warned the laws could lead to censorship. Albanese rejected that, saying: "It's not about giving government control. It's about giving people control."
The government will seek feedback from digital platforms, industry bodies, civil society, and advocates before introducing the bill to Parliament later this year. Meta and Google did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
