Australia proposes opt-out law for social media’s algorithms

By the Editorial Team · Wednesday, September 9, 2026

Australia has proposed a bill requiring social media platforms to let users opt out of algorithm-driven content recommendations, aiming to enhance user control and protect minors from harmful material. This draft legislation, part of a broader regulatory push including a recent under-16 social media ban, seeks public input before establishing new digital duties for tech companies.

Australia has introduced a new legislative proposal aimed at increasing user control over social media content by allowing individuals to opt out of algorithm-driven recommendations. The government opened public consultation on the draft bill, which would impose a "digital duty of care" on internet companies, requiring platforms to offer users the option to limit their feeds to content from selected sources.

The proposed law, referred to as "my feed, my way," seeks to give social media users greater agency by enabling them to restrict the automatic content suggested by algorithms. This measure follows Australia's implementation of a social media ban for users under 16, which took effect in December as part of a broader effort to regulate the technology sector more stringently.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasized that the legislation is not intended to censor online content but to restore choice to Australians navigating digital platforms. The initiative responds to growing global concerns about the influence of social media algorithms, particularly their role in exposing children to harmful material and encouraging addictive behaviors.

Internationally, similar regulatory steps have been taken, such as the European Union’s efforts to limit the effects of algorithmic feeds. However, Communications Minister Anika Wells highlighted that Australia’s approach would differ by placing responsibility on companies to provide opt-out mechanisms rather than merely offering alternative content feeds.

In addition to algorithm transparency, the government is proposing expanded protections for individuals under 18 against harmful and addictive content across online games, applications, and artificial intelligence chatbots. The draft legislation defines harmful content to include material promoting eating disorders, criminal or dangerous behavior, misogyny, pornography, and abuse.

The move comes amid increased scrutiny of technology firms over their handling of child welfare and algorithmic impacts. Notably, Meta agreed to an $18 billion settlement with U.S. states concerning allegations of insufficient measures to prevent social-media addiction and protect younger users.

Meta, which owns Facebook and Instagram, along with TikTok, declined to comment on the Australian proposals, while Alphabet, YouTube’s parent company, had not responded to requests for comment at the time of reporting. The government’s consultation period will allow stakeholders to provide feedback on the draft legislation before any final decisions are made.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.