The US has criticised Australia's proposal to give users the ability to opt out of social media algorithms, saying it amounts to "censorship of protected speech." Under Australia's draft digital duty of care laws, tech firms risk hefty fines if they fail to give users the option to turn off algorithms. In a rare submission, the US embassy in Canberra said it had "serious concerns" and allowing the government to "enforce vague definitions of 'harm'" would lead to "viewpoint-based censorship."

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the legislation was not about giving governments control but giving it back to individuals. "It's about giving people back control over what they receive on their devices," he told media in New York. The US claimed the laws may risk "reducing the reach of independent journalists" and could affect users globally.

The US also called on Australia to address concerns that "biases and preferences" of government officials do not "disadvantage independent or minority-viewpoint speech." Another worry was that the laws could affect Australia's "reputation as a jurisdiction that enables innovation." The criticism comes during Albanese's visit to the US to speak at the UN's General Assembly.