CANBERRA — Australia is preparing legislation that would give social media users greater control over the algorithms that determine what content they see online, Communications Minister Anika Wells has said.
Under the proposed law, social media platforms would be required to provide users with the option to turn off what the government describes as “powerful” algorithms used to recommend and prioritize content.
Wells told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation on Monday that the government plans to release a draft of the legislation this week.
The proposed rules would require major technology companies, including Meta, to take greater responsibility for preventing harmful content and behaviour online.
Wells said many Australians enjoy the entertainment and convenience provided by algorithm-driven platforms, but users should also have the ability to access social media without algorithmic recommendations if they choose.
“Many Australians will want to choose algorithms,” Wells said, adding that technology companies should give users that choice from the outset and respect whatever decision they make.
Opposition raises censorship concerns
Opposition Leader Angus Taylor has expressed reservations about the proposal, saying the opposition has not yet seen the draft legislation.
Taylor warned that the Labor government could potentially use the legislation as a means of introducing censorship on social media. He said the opposition would be in a better position to comment once the draft bill is made public.
Social media companies use algorithms to analyse users’ viewing habits and recommend similar posts, videos and other content. Critics have long argued that these recommendation systems can create a cycle of continuous engagement, encouraging users to spend excessive amounts of time on social media platforms.
The platforms have also faced criticism for allegedly promoting controversial, sensational or fear-inducing content because such material can increase user engagement and keep people online for longer.
The latest proposal comes after Australia introduced a ban last December on social media use by children under 16. The measure was aimed at protecting young people from online bullying and potentially harmful recommendation algorithms.
Australia was the first country to introduce such a broad age-based restriction, with countries including the United Kingdom and France subsequently pursuing similar measures.
However, data released last month indicated that Australian children were continuing to use social media applications such as Instagram and TikTok at higher rates despite the restrictions.
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