Australian users could soon opt out of social media algorithms
Users will only see posts from friends and creators they follow.
Australians could soon opt out of social media algorithms. By George Chan / Getty.
- Australia proposes rules requiring social platforms to offer users a choice between algorithmic and following-only feeds.
- Platforms would notify users with a pop-up and let them change their feed choice multiple times.
- The proposal forms part of a wider Digital Duty of Care plan to reduce online harms.
- A Teach Us Consent poll found 78% of Australians want full control over what they see online.
Key Takeaways by nexos.ai, reviewed by Cybernews staff.
The Australian government has proposed new rules that would allow them to choose whether algorithms determine the content displayed.
Under draft legislation released on Tuesday, social media platforms would have to notify users that they have a choice over what their default feed should look like.
If the new rules are confirmed after consultation, users will be able to opt in to personalized content, shaped by algorithms, or opt out and only see posts from friends and creators they follow.
The proposal, called “My Feed, My Way,” is part of a broader Digital Duty of Care framework. The latter would require platforms to take greater responsibility for protecting users from online harms.
Last year, Australia already prohibited children under 16 years old from having accounts on major social media platforms (it’s too early to say the ban is working, but the signs aren’t good).
Now, the government is moving on to address concerns about algorithmic feeds. A growing body of evidence suggests that digital giants deliberately push content designed to trigger strong emotional reactions.
The option to turn the algorithm on or off would appear as a pop-up box when people use social media.
According to Anthony Albanese, the Australian prime minister, if the rules are green-lighted, tech platforms will have to give people control over their online experience – and respect their choice.
You will have a choice about whether you want the algorithm or whether you want the following feed. That is a neutral choice that Australians will be able to make. It’s empowering,Communications Minister Anika Wells agreed.
Both Albanese and Wells admit that many people will want to choose the algorithm, but at least they’ll have a say.
“If people want to doom scroll, as you call it, that’s fine, that’s up to them,” said Albanese during the press conference, with Wells adding that users will be able to opt in or out multiple times – not just once.
The opposition is unhappy about the draft rules, calling them “censorship.” The government rejects the label and cites multiple advocacy groups that are welcoming the measures.
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Teach Us Consent, the Australian non-profit seeking to reform sex education and combat sexual violence, last year launched the “Fix Our Feeds” campaign, calling for an algorithm opt-in system.
“The social media feeds that once connected us are now driving us apart. Social media algorithms are flooding young men’s feeds with radical misogynistic content, inciting real-world harm,” the group said.
Recent polling from Teach Us Consent finds that regardless of political views, the vast majority (78%) of Australians think social media users should have full control over what they see online.
