Australia Mandates Opt-Out for Algorithmic Social Media Feeds

Australia has introduced proposed legislation requiring social media companies to provide users with the ability to opt out of algorithm-curated feeds. The initiative, known as “My Feed, My Way,” mandates that platforms allow individuals aged 16 and older to choose a chronological timeline displaying content exclusively from people they follow, rather than relying on personalized algorithmic recommendations.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced the plan on Tuesday, describing the move as a pragmatic step to return control to internet users. “This is not about giving government control. It’s about giving people control,” Albanese stated during a press conference at Parliament House in Canberra. He emphasized that the reforms aim to hold major technology firms accountable for their design choices.

Under the proposed rules, drafted for immediate consultation, digital platforms would be required to notify both new and existing users of their feed options and set a default mode. Companies that fail to comply could face penalties of up to 109.2 million Australian dollars, approximately $79 million USD. The legislation is scheduled to be presented to the Australian Parliament later this year.

Beyond the opt-out mechanism, the regulations also extend to other digital services, including AI chatbots and online games. These platforms will be required to implement safeguards to protect users under the age of 18 from addictive design features.

This development marks another significant challenge for big tech, coming shortly after Meta agreed to an $18 billion settlement in August. The settlement resolved a landmark trial led by a coalition of U.S. states, which accused the company of misleading the public about the risks its platforms, Instagram and Facebook, posed to younger users.

The new measures follow Australia’s historic status as the first country to implement a social media ban for children under 16 last year. While Albanese has praised the ban as world-leading, data from the eSafety Commissioner revealed limited effectiveness. Three months after the ban’s introduction, 81% of Australian children were still accessing age-restricted platforms, a marginal decrease from 86% prior to the restriction. Additionally, daily social media usage among teens dropped only slightly, from roughly 60% to 58%.

Countries including the United Kingdom, France, and Spain have since considered similar restrictions on youth social media access, reflecting a growing global trend toward tighter digital regulation.