Australia proposes law to let users disable algorithmic social media feeds
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The Australian government plans legislation that would require platforms to let users over 16 choose between algorithmic and chronological feeds, with penalties for non-compliance.
Australia's government announced a draft bill that would require social media platforms to give users aged 16 and older the option to turn off algorithm-driven feeds and view only content from accounts they follow. The proposal, dubbed “My Feed, My Way,” also mandates that platforms notify new and existing users about the default feed setting and allow them to change it. Companies that do not comply could be fined up to 109.2 million Australian dollars (about 79 million US dollars).
The legislation would extend to AI chatbots, online games and other digital services, obliging them to address features deemed addictive for users under 18.
"This is not about giving government control. It's about giving people control. It's about putting choice back into the hands of Australians online," Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said at a press conference.
"This is sensible, pragmatic, practical reform. It gives users choice, and it will hold the big tech companies responsible for inaction," he added.
Existing platforms already offer limited ways to view non-algorithmic content, such as TikTok’s Friends tab, Facebook’s friends-only feed, Instagram’s Following and Favorites feeds, YouTube’s Subscriptions feed and Snapchat’s separation of friends’ Stories from public discovery.
Australia previously introduced a ban on social media for users under 16, a measure that other countries are also considering. Recent data from the eSafety Commissioner indicated that the ban had little effect on overall teen usage rates.