The Australian federal government is exploring measures to address the influence of social media algorithms amid concerns about rising sexual violence among teenagers. Social Services Minister Tanya Plibersek indicated that options under consideration include requiring users to opt in or opt out of algorithm-driven content recommendations.

Plibersek highlighted the significant role social media platforms play in shaping harmful behaviors, particularly pointing to the prevalence of sexual violence involving strangulation among young people. She referenced recent legislative action in the United Kingdom, where laws criminalizing the publication or possession of pornography depicting strangulation or suffocation were introduced last year. The minister expressed support for Australia to consider similar restrictions on such content.

The call for reform comes in the wake of a suspected sexual strangulation incident on the Northern Beaches last week, where a 16-year-old girl died. Authorities have not made any arrests related to the case. The tragedy has intensified discussions surrounding the impact of online content and algorithmic recommendations on youth.

Plibersek also noted ongoing collaboration with the non-profit organization Teach Us Consent, founded by activist Chanel Contos, which advocates for social media algorithms to operate on an opt-in basis. “We’re absolutely up for work on algorithms,” Plibersek said, emphasizing the potential for users to have control over whether they are subject to recommendation engines that may expose them to harmful material.

However, the minister acknowledged that implementing such regulatory changes could face resistance from social media companies, which may challenge efforts to alter algorithmic structures. The government is weighing these challenges as it develops policies aimed at reducing the harms linked to online content and protecting young people from sexual violence.