Australia's Answer to Big Tech Algorithms: Opt Out

Australia wants to give its citizens' social media feeds a hard reset—and it's putting Big Tech on notice to do it. The government has unveiled draft "Digital Duty of Care" legislation whose marquee feature, "My Feed, My Way," would force platforms like Meta, TikTok, YouTube, X, and Reddit to let users switch off algorithmic recommendations entirely and instead see only posts from chosen accounts, in chronological order, without tricks that push them back to AI-curated feeds, Firstpost reports. Violations could cost up to $72 million USD.

The bill also expands rules beyond social media to gaming, apps, and AI tools, requiring protections for under-18s from addictive design, harmful content including glorified crime and bullying, and deepfake abuse. "It is about giving people control," said Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, while Communications Minister Anika Wells promised, "There is a global reckoning coming for Big Tech." The proposed legislation, building upon Australia's social media ban for children under 16, is expected to land in parliament before Christmas, per the Guardian. Some critics have warned of "censorship" and technical headaches, while others argue an opt-out algorithm model doesn't go far enough.