Australia Mandates Social Media Algorithm Opt-Out

The update

Australia is enacting new laws requiring social media platforms to offer users a choice over their default feeds. Users over 16 will be able to opt out of algorithmic curation, seeing only content from accounts they actively follow. The legislation, dubbed “my feed, my way,” also imposes a strict “digital duty of care” to protect users from specific harms.

Why it matters

This represents a significant shift in the power dynamic between global tech companies and individual users. The government argues that platforms have long run unregulated experiments on user behavior. By mandating an opt-out, the law aims to reduce the spread of divisive and potentially dangerous content, giving ordinary users more control over their digital environment.

What to watch

Platforms must implement the opt-out tools, and the regulator will have the power to issue removal notices for non-compliance. The government requires support from the Greens to pass the legislation, while the opposition has signaled potential opposition.

Sources

• npr.org — Government statement on notification requirement
• nytimes.com — Communications minister's comments on product testing
• theguardian.com — Legislative details, fines, and 'my feed, my way' plan
• bbc.co.uk — Public reaction and context