Concerns over the addictive nature of social media algorithms and their role in promoting harmful content have gained renewed attention in Australia, sparking debate over how the government should regulate these platforms. The discussion intensified following a recent address by consent advocate Chanel Contos, who called for legislative changes to require social media services to disable recommendation algorithms by default.
Contos, founder of Teach Us Consent, proposed an opt-in model where users would initially see feeds exclusively from accounts they choose to follow, with algorithm-driven content available only if deliberately activated. Her speech at the National Press Club underscored the perceived dangers of automatic algorithms that prioritize engagement through emotive or extreme content.
The Albanese government plans to introduce its long-anticipated digital duty of care legislation later this year, which aims to impose stricter obligations on social media companies to prevent algorithm-related harms. Cabinet discussions are reportedly considering incorporating the opt-in approach within this framework. Communications Minister Anika Wells praised Contos’s advocacy, emphasizing the need to “fix the platforms that reward” harmful content and to shift towards “safety by design” rather than reactive measures.
Treasurer Jim Chalmers acknowledged the negative effects of these algorithms, calling the issue “self-evident,” while Social Services Minister Tanya Plibersek confirmed ongoing consultations include the opt-in proposal.
Australia’s push to regulate big tech has gained international momentum, particularly in light of recent policy moves such as the ban on social media use by children under 14. In the United States, companies like Meta have faced significant legal challenges, including a $25 billion settlement related to claims that platforms deliberately engineered addictive features harmful to young users.
Contos highlighted challenges with existing regulatory efforts in Europe, where an opt-out system failed due to tech companies employing tactics to obscure or reset user settings. “It’s time for something better,” she said, urging for comprehensive, airtight legislation rather than “well-intentioned” but ineffective rules.
The proposed opt-in system is expected to face opposition from former US President Donald Trump, who has criticized Australia’s regulatory actions against American technology firms as discriminatory. Nevertheless, analysts suggest the reforms would likely receive parliamentary support, particularly from independents and the Greens.
Independent MP Allegra Spender, a longstanding advocate for stronger social media regulation, described the platforms’ business models as relying on “more extreme content” to sustain user engagement, underscoring concerns for consumer safety. “The default version should be the one which the government believes is safe,” she said, adding that users should be able to opt in “in an informed way.”
Independent Senator David Pocock also backs an opt-in framework, calling it an “elegant solution” with global applicability. He envisions further restrictions in the future, including a ban on data collection from young social media users.
As Australia moves toward formalizing its digital duty of care laws, the government faces challenging decisions balancing technological oversight, consumer protection, and potential international trade implications.