Australia to let social media users 'opt out' of algorithm-based feeds in fresh blow to big tech

A woman scrolls through the Instagram application on her smartphone in Sartene Corsica France on March 12, 2026. Grichka Beysson-leandri | Afp | Getty ImagesAustralia plans to give social media users the ability to switch off algorithm-based feeds in proposed legislation, making the latest move by governments and regulators to rein in Big Tech this year.Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's government said Tuesday that it's proposing the "My Feed, My Way" initiative, which would force social media platforms to allow users over the age of 16 to either opt into having a feed that recommends personalized content by an algorithm or "opt out," so they can only see content from friends and creators they choose to follow. The legislation, which is being drafted and released Tuesday for targeted consultation, would require platforms to send notifications to new and existing users so they can choose their default feed. Social media companies that fail to comply could face penalties of up to 109.2 million Australian dollars ($79 million).The measures, set to be introduced to the Parliament of Australia this year, will also require AI chatbots, online games and other digital services to take acti...