Australia Proposes Law Requiring Social Media Platforms to Offer Algorithm-Free Feeds

Australia's government has proposed new draft laws that would require social media platforms to provide users with an option to see content feeds free from algorithmic personalization. The move, announced by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Tuesday, represents a significant step in the country's efforts to regulate major technology companies and enhance online safety.

Key Provisions of the Proposal

Under the proposed "My Feed, My Way" initiative, digital platforms would be mandated to notify users and offer them a clear choice over their content consumption. Users could either opt-in to a default feed with content recommended by an algorithm or opt-out to view a feed consisting only of posts from accounts they explicitly follow.

The legislation would also require platforms to document the measures they take to address identified risks of harm to Australian users. This follows growing global concerns that algorithms on platforms owned by companies like Meta Platforms (META) and Alphabet (GOOGL) are designed to encourage addictive behavior.

Enforcement and Penalties

Compliance and enforcement would be overseen by Australia’s internet regulator, eSafety. The regulator's powers would also be expanded to issue notices for the swift removal of harmful, illegal, and nudity-related content.

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Companies that fail to comply with the new rules could face substantial financial penalties. The proposed maximum fine is A$109.2 million (approximately $79 million), signaling the government's serious intent to hold platforms accountable. "It gives users choice and it will hold the big tech companies responsible for inaction if they don’t follow our laws," Prime Minister Albanese told reporters.

Global Context and Next Steps

Australia's proposal follows a similar regulatory path as the European Union's Digital Services Act, which since 2024 has required platforms to offer users the ability to switch off algorithmic profiling. However, the source noted that the EU's rollout faced initial challenges, with regulators complaining that platforms made the opt-out process difficult for users.

While the government frames the law as a pro-consumer choice, some free speech advocates have raised concerns it could lead to censorship. The government will now seek feedback on the draft legislation from industry and civil society groups, with a bill expected to be introduced to Parliament later this year. According to Reuters, Meta and Google did not immediately respond to a request for comment.