Australia prepares proposal to let users opt out of social-media algorithms
Australia plans draft rules giving social-media users a choice over algorithmic feeds, with Digital Duty of Care proposals expected during the week beginning September 7, 2026.
In short
- Australia plans draft rules giving social-media users a choice over algorithmic feeds, with Digital Duty of Care proposals expected during the week beginning September 7, 2026.
Australia’s government is preparing proposals that would require social-media platforms to let users opt out of algorithmically recommended feeds, with draft Digital Duty of Care legislation expected during the week beginning September 7, 2026.
ABC reported on September 6 that platforms would have to display regular pop-up messages offering a choice between recommendations and posts from accounts users follow. The proposal would also require companies to identify and reduce risks of harm on their services. These are proposed obligations, not requirements already in force.
Communications Minister Anika Wells said in a Canberra statement dated September 7 that Australians should have greater control over their feeds and that technology companies should respect their choices. She also signalled significant fines for breaches.
The plan faces political scrutiny before its full text is available. According to ABC, Opposition Leader Angus Taylor said the Coalition had not seen the proposal and raised concerns about potential censorship. The Greens favour a stronger approach in which users would actively opt into algorithmic feeds.
The forthcoming draft will be the next point at which the proposed duties and enforcement arrangements can be assessed in detail.
