Australia has proposed new legislation requiring social media platforms to let users opt out of algorithm-driven content recommendations. The draft 'digital duty of care' bill, part of the government's broader push to regulate Big Tech, includes a 'my feed, my way' provision allowing users to restrict their feeds to content from accounts they follow. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasized the move aims to give Australians choice online, not censor the internet. The proposal builds on a December law banning social media for under-16s. The eSafety Commissioner would oversee enforcement, with fines up to A$109.2mn ($79mn) for violations. The laws also target harmful content such as eating disorder promotion, misogyny, and non-consensual intimate images. Communications Minister Anika Wells noted the Australian approach differs from the EU by mandating opt-out rights rather than alternatives. Meta, TikTok, and Alphabet did not comment.

The legislation follows global scrutiny of social media's impact, especially on children. Meta recently settled for $18bn over child protection claims. Australia's model requires platforms to proactively offer opt-out options instead of merely providing alternative feeds.

The draft also expands protections for under-18s in online games, apps, and AI chatbots, addressing addictive features and harmful content.