The Australian government plans to introduce draft legislation this week that would compel social media platforms to provide users with an option to disable algorithmic feeds, Communications Minister Anika Wells announced in an interview with the ABC.
The proposed laws would impose a “digital duty of care” on major technology companies, such as Meta, as part of a broader strategy to mitigate online harms.
“Many Australians value the algorithm for the enjoyment or utility it provides,” Wells stated. “However, many others would prefer to choose whether they use it. We believe Big Tech should offer that choice upfront and respect the user’s decision.”
Opposition Leader Angus Taylor told the ABC that the Coalition had not yet reviewed the Labor government’s bill. “I am deeply sceptical,” Taylor said. “I fear this may be an attempt by the government to censor social media, but we haven’t seen the details. Let’s wait and see what the government proposes.”
Social media companies have long faced criticism over allegedly addictive algorithms designed to maximize engagement by steering users toward sensational or extreme content.
![A teenager poses holding a mobile phone displaying a message from TikTok as law banning social media for users under 16 in Australia takes effect, in Sydney, Australia, December 10, 2025 [File: Hollie Adams/Reuters]](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///ywAAAAAAQABAAACAUwAOw==)
Last December, Australia enacted a world-first ban prohibiting children under 16 from accessing social media platforms, aiming to shield them from cyberbullying and “predatory algorithms.”
The United Kingdom and France have since implemented similar measures.
However, recent data indicates that Australian children are increasing their usage of apps like Instagram and TikTok despite the prohibition.