Australians could get greater control over social media feeds under proposed new rules
The federal government has released draft legislation that would give Australians greater control over how content is selected and displayed on social media platforms. Under the proposed changes, users over the age of 16 would be offered a choice between algorithmically recommended content and posts from the friends and creators they choose to follow. The proposal, known as My Feed, My Way, forms part of the government’s proposed Digital Duty of Care. Under the initiative, social media platforms would be required to notify new and existing users about their feed options and respect the choice they make.
Communications Minister Anika Wells said the reforms were intended to place greater responsibility on major technology companies. “For too long, tech companies have been running real-time, unregulated product testing on Australians,” she said.
Algorithmic feeds use automated systems to recommend and rank content based on factors such as a user’s activity and interactions. Under the proposed rules, users could opt out of personalised recommendations and instead view content from accounts they have chosen to follow. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese rejected suggestions that the proposal would give the government greater control over what Australians see online.
“This is not about giving government control, it is about giving people control,” he said.
The algorithm changes form part of a broader Digital Duty of Care framework that would require online service providers to identify and address foreseeable risks to Australian users. The proposed framework would extend beyond social media to services including online games, apps and artificial intelligence chatbots. Companies that fail to comply could face penalties of up to $109.2 million. The independent eSafety Commissioner would be responsible for compliance and enforcement under the proposed framework.
The proposal has received mixed responses. The Greens have previously called for algorithmic feeds to be an opt-in choice rather than giving users an algorithmic feed by default. The party has indicated it wants stronger requirements for digital platforms.
Consent educator Chanel Contos, who has campaigned for users to have greater control over algorithmic feeds, welcomed the government’s action and has advocated for an opt-in model. The Coalition has raised concerns about the draft legislation, particularly over the powers available to the government and the potential impact on lawful speech. Nationals leader Matt Canavan has also questioned whether parts of the proposal could amount to censorship. As of September 10, the Coalition said it would oppose the bill in its current form while continuing to engage in online safety measures. The government is seeking feedback from digital platforms, industry bodies, civil society organisations and advocates before introducing legislation to Parliament later this year.
Source: PM Australia Media Center
