Australia proposes giving options to social media users

Under draft laws proposed by the government, social media platforms will be required to notify users and offer them a choice over their default feed

Australia on Tuesday proposed giving social media users the option to select the content they see on their feeds, marking the next step in the government’s ​push to improve online safety, following its world-first social media ban for children.

Under draft laws proposed by the centre-left Labor government, social media platforms will be required to notify users and offer them a choice over their default feed.

Users can choose to opt in to having their default feed ​include personalised content recommended by an algorithm. Alternatively, they can opt out of algorithmically ​recommended content and instead see posts only from the friends and creators they ⁠choose to follow.

This is sensible, pragmatic, practical reform, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told reporters. It gives ​users choice and it will hold the big tech companies responsible for inaction if they don’t ​follow our laws.

Social media ⁠companies face growing scrutiny around the world over concerns that algorithms have been designed to encourage addictive behaviour, with users drawn into prolonged viewing through recommendations that push them toward similar content.

Albanese said the “My Feed, My Way” initiative would also require digital platforms to document the measures ​taken to address identified ​risks of harm to ⁠Australian users and ensure those measures remain effective over time.

Failure to comply could attract penalties of up to A$109.2 million ($79 million), with Australia’s ​internet regulator, eSafety, responsible for compliance and enforcement.

eSafety will also be granted ​the power ⁠to issue notices requiring large technology companies to swiftly remove harmful, nudity-related and illegal content. However, advocates of so-called free speech warned the proposed legislation could result in censorship.

It’s not about giving government control. It’s ⁠about giving ​people control, Albanese said.