Australia Proposes Legislation Allowing Users to Disable Social Media Algorithms

Australians could soon opt out of social media algorithms under draft legislation set to be introduced this week.

Communications Minister Anika Wells, who oversaw the government’s pioneering social‑media ban for users under 16 last year, said the proposed digital duty‑of‑care legislation would provide ‘basic safety safeguards for an industry that has operated without them.’

She added that companies like Meta, Google and TikTok would incur substantial penalties if they failed to offer users the ability to disable algorithmic feeds.

Opposition figures have voiced concerns, with Liberal Party leader Angus Taylor describing himself as ‘highly sceptical’ and warning that the measure could veer into censorship.

Wells noted that the government will seek expert advice on whether users should be required to opt in or opt out of algorithmic content feeds.

As with the earlier social‑media ban, the administration aims to introduce the bill before finalising all implementation details.

“We want Australians to have greater control over what appears in their social‑media feeds,” Wells told the ABC on Monday.

“We recognise that many Australians value the algorithm for the enjoyment and utility it provides, such as discovering local businesses in their neighbourhood.”

“Many Australians will likely prefer to keep the algorithm active, but we believe platforms should present the option upfront and honour users’ decisions.”

“Big tech firms are not exempt from responsibility and must provide basic safety standards to their users.”

She acknowledged that, to date, no technology company has been penalised for violating the under‑16 social‑media ban, even though research shows most minors who accessed those platforms before the ban took effect last December continue to do so.

While some opposition members endorse the concept in principle, others contend it amounts to an effort to limit free speech.

Taylor told News24 that he views the proposal as ‘an attempt by the government to censor social media’ and urged Labor to first address shortcomings in the existing under‑16 ban.

Appearing on Channel Nine’s Today show, Wells stated: ‘This isn’t about censorship; it’s about requiring platforms to identify and mitigate the risks associated with their services.’

Last week, prominent consent advocate Chanel Contos addressed Australia’s National Press Club, urging the government to adopt an opt‑in model for algorithmic feeds, which would complicate efforts by tech companies to circumvent the proposed rules.

She contended that algorithms are amplifying sexual‑violence trends in Australia and exposing youth to misogynistic ‘manosphere’ content.

The draft bill is slated for introduction in the coming days. In addition to regulating algorithms, it would impose a duty on platforms to prevent the spread of harmful material, including illegal pornography and content that encourages disordered eating.

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