Australia bill would let social media users switch off algorithmic feeds
Australia has put forward a law that would let people turn off social media feeds picked by algorithms, BBC News and The Guardian reported. Users could see posts only from accounts they follow. The law would also make online firms keep users safe, though the opposition says it risks censorship.
Australia's government has introduced its Digital Duty of Care bill, which would require online services to protect users from harm and let social media users turn off algorithmic recommendations, BBC News, ABC News and The Guardian reported. Users would see posts only from accounts they follow, BBC News and The Guardian reported. ABC News reported that the option would be for Australians over the age of 16.
The duty would cover social media, online games and chatbots, BBC News and The Guardian reported. Communications Minister Anika Wells said in an interview with BBC News that the law "shifts the onus of responsibility from the shoulders of victims onto the shoulders of the big tech operators."
The opposition Coalition says the bill threatens free speech. Shadow communications minister Sarah Henderson called it a "dog's breakfast," ABC News reported. Wells rejected censorship claims at the National Press Club. "If adults listen to manosphere podcasts, or people post their views about the government, or make memes, or want to say the moon landing was fake – they can continue to do so without restriction," she said, according to The Guardian.
Wells said the government would consider a Greens proposal to let people sue tech companies, ABC News and The Guardian reported. The bill goes to a Senate inquiry due to report in late November, according to The Guardian.
Campaigner Chanel Contos led a "Fix Our Feeds" petition for the change, BBC News reported, and welcomed the switch, according to ABC News. Meta, Snap, TikTok, X and Google declined to comment, BBC News reported. Varsha Yajman, who is recovering from anorexia, said she is unlikely to use the switch much but values having the choice. "To know that, if I'm having a bad day, I can opt out makes me feel really good," she said, according to BBC News.
What we know: The bill would add a duty of care and an algorithm off switch, and it is headed to a Senate inquiry.
What we don't: Whether it will pass, and how platforms would build the switch.
Where outlets agree BBC News, ABC News and The Guardian report that Australia's Digital Duty of Care bill would let social media users turn off algorithmic feeds.
Where they differ The outlets cited here report the same key facts so far.