Australia's government is preparing legislation that would require major social media platforms to allow users to switch off algorithm-driven content recommendations, giving Australians greater control over what appears in their online feeds as part of a broader crackdown on harmful digital content. The draft legislation is expected to be introduced to Parliament this week.

The proposal would require companies including Meta, Google, TikTok and X to provide users with a clear option to disable personalised recommendation algorithms. Users who opt out would instead see content in chronological order or from accounts they actively choose to follow rather than posts selected by automated recommendation systems.

Greater control over online feeds

Communications Minister Anika Wells said the reforms are intended to give Australians more control over their social media experience rather than restrict speech.

She said users who prefer algorithmically curated feeds will still be able to use them, but platforms must also provide an easy way to turn recommendation systems off.

According to Wells, the government wants technology companies to identify risks created by their algorithms and take greater responsibility for limiting the spread of harmful material before it reaches users.

Platforms face new legal obligations

The proposed Digital Duty of Care legislation would require technology companies to assess and reduce risks associated with their services, particularly those affecting children and vulnerable users.

The bill would also require platforms to take stronger action against content promoting eating disorders, self-harm, violent extremism and other harmful material that can be amplified by recommendation algorithms.

Companies that fail to meet the new obligations could face fines exceeding A$100 million (about US$70 million), while Australia's eSafety Commissioner would receive expanded investigative and enforcement powers.

Part of broader online safety reforms

The proposal follows Australia's landmark legislation restricting social media access for children under 16, which came into force last year and made the country one of the first to introduce a nationwide minimum age for social media use.

Wells acknowledged that many under-16 users remain active on social media despite the restrictions and said no technology company has yet been fined, although several platforms are currently under investigation by the eSafety Commissioner over possible non-compliance.

The government says the new legislation complements those reforms by targeting the algorithms that determine what users see online, rather than focusing solely on account access.

Opposition raises censorship concerns

Opposition Leader Angus Taylor has questioned the proposal, arguing the government should first resolve implementation issues surrounding the under-16 social media law before introducing further regulations.

Taylor and other critics have also warned that the legislation could expand government influence over online content, an accusation rejected by Wells, who insists the reforms are designed to increase user choice rather than censor social media platforms.

The legislation is expected to be debated in Parliament in the coming days and, if approved, would become one of the world's most far-reaching attempts to regulate the role of recommendation algorithms on major social media platforms. (ILKHA)