Australia Gives Users Choice over Social Media Algorithms

Australia has proposed new rules that would allow social media users to choose whether algorithms determine the content displayed on their feeds, as the government expands its efforts to improve online safety. Under draft legislation released on Tuesday, social media platforms would have to notify users and offer them a choice over their default feed. Users aged 16 and above could opt in to personalised content recommended by algorithms or opt out and see posts only from friends and creators they have chosen to follow. The proposal, called 'My Feed, My Way', is part of a broader Digital Duty of Care framework that would require digital platforms to take greater responsibility for protecting users from foreseeable harm. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the policy was intended to give Australians greater control over their online experience rather than give the government control over what people see. The government said platforms that failed to comply with the new requirements could face penalties of up to A$109.2 million ($79 million). Australia's eSafety regulator would be responsible for enforcement. The proposed rules follow Australia's decision in December 2025 to prohibit children under 16 from holding accounts on major social media platforms. The government is now seeking to address concerns about algorithmically recommended content among older users. Algorithms used by social media companies are designed to analyse user behaviour and recommend content likely to generate engagement. Critics have argued that these systems can amplify harmful or divisive material, including misinformation, extremist content and material that can negatively affect users' mental health. The broader Digital Duty of Care proposal would also require online services to take measures to protect children from harmful content and features. The framework covers social media platforms as well as services including gaming platforms, messaging services and AI chatbots. Australia's proposal follows similar efforts in the European Union, where platforms have been required to provide users with options to switch off certain forms of personalised content and profiling. However, European regulators have raised concerns about how easily users can access those options. The Australian government is conducting consultations on the draft legislation before introducing a bill to parliament later this year. The proposed rules could create significant changes for major social media companies, whose business models depend heavily on personalised recommendations and the engagement generated by algorithmically selected content. For users, the policy would provide a choice between the highly personalised feeds that dominate social media platforms and a chronological or follow-based experience centred on accounts they have deliberately chosen to see. The government said the objective was to ensure Australians could benefit from digital platforms while having greater control over how those platforms shape their online experiences. Stay ahead of the Stories shaping our world. Subscribe to Impact Newswire and join our WhatsApp Channel for updates on global tech, business, and innovation—all in one place. Dive deeper into the future with the Cause Effect 4.0 Podcast, where we explore the ideas, trends, and technologies driving the global AI conversation. Got a story to share? Contact Us to reach a global audience with Impact Newswire. Emmanuel Abara Benson is a business journalist and editor covering artificial intelligence, global markets, and emerging technology. He has previously worked with Business Insider Africa and Nairametrics, reporting on finance, startups, and innovation. His work focuses on AI, digital economy, and global tech trends. Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.