Australia proposes draft law allowing users to disable social media algorithms this week
Australians may soon have the option to turn off recommendation engines on platforms like Meta, Google, and TikTok. Communications Minister Anika Wells says big tech firms must provide this choice to avoid penalties.
Draft legislation proposed by the Australian government will allow users to switch off social media algorithms. Communications Minister Anika Wells said these digital duty of care laws would provide safety protections for an industry lacking current regulations. If companies such as Meta, Google, and TikTok fail to offer an option to disable algorithms, they face substantial penalties under the proposal. Ms. Wells noted that tech firms are not protected species and must respect user choices. Opposition Leader Angus Taylor criticized the move as potentially amounting to censorship. The government plans to take expert advice on whether users must opt in or out before finalizing specifics.
