Australia’s proposed ‘opt out’ law targets Big Tech algorithms

Social media platforms face scrutiny over addictive algorithms; new law aims to give Australians greater feed control.Published On 7 Sep 20267 Sep 2026Social media platforms could be forced to give users in Australia an option to turn off “powerful” algorithms under draft laws to be unveiled by the government this week, Communications Minister Anika Wells told the ABC national broadcaster.The proposed legislation would require companies like Meta to undertake what the government calls a digital duty of care as it steps up efforts to tackle online harm.Recommended Stories list of 3 itemslist 1 of 3Australia’s under-16 social media ban failing, study shows: What it meanslist 2 of 3Most Australian teens still online three months after under-16 banlist 3 of 3Meta’s $18bn settlement: How social platforms will change for child usersend of list“A lot of Australians appreciate the algorithm, both for the enjoyment they get out of it or the utility they get out of it,” Anika Wells said.“A lot of Australians will want to choose the algorithm, but we think that Big Tech should offer them the choice in the first place, and they should respect that choice.”Australia’s opposition leader, Angus T...