Australia Wants to Put Algorithms on a Leash
Synopsis
Australia proposes new social media rules giving users greater algorithm control while expanding safety duties for digital platforms.
Australia social media guidelines are set to be expanded yet again, as the federal government proposes laws that will give users more control over algorithm-driven feeds and increased safety obligations for digital platforms.
Draft Digital Duty of Care legislation was revealed on 8th September as part of targeted consultation, to be led by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Minister for Communications Anika Wells. The legislation will be introduced in Parliament this year.
Users Could Choose How Their Feeds Work
According to the proposed My Feed, My Way, social media sites would be required to notify new and existing users to the defaults feeds they get.
You could choose the option for personal content based on a computer-generated recommendation or a list of posts from people you follow and/or like. Platforms would then be required to record the process they use to identify and tackle Australian users' risks.
The proposed social media rules for Australia will apply to more than social media. OGAIs (including online games, apps and AI chatbots) would be required to take measures to prevent children aged under 18 years from accessing the specified harmful content and design features, which have a negative behavioural impact.
Violations of the proposed Digital Duty of Care could be punished with a whopping A$109.2 million, the government reveals. The eSafety Commissioner would have powers for compliance and enforcement and the ability to issue notices to remove nudify apps and websites.
New Rules Follow 4.7 Million Account Restrictions
The social media guidelines in Australia are set to be implemented starting December 10, 2025, when the country's minimum-age regulations will be enforced.
In January, eSafety said major social media platforms had deleted or limited access for approximately 4.7 million accounts they'd determined were under-16s in the first half of December.
The new policy would also streamline and ease some current policies and procedures that tackle child cyberbullying and cyber-abuse by adults, so eSafety can respond faster to harmful content, the government says.
The proposed Australia social media regulations would also introduce age restrictions and requirements to platforms for choosing feeds, and apply safety obligations to other digital services.
Source: News24
Pooja Malik is a business journalist with over six years of experience covering startups, entrepreneurship, and emerging trends. She has previously worked with leading media platforms such as YourStory Media and BW BusinessWorld, where she reported on business, policy, and market developments. Currently, she serves as Editor at The Inspirepreneur Magazine, where she writes and edits stories across business, lifestyle, and travel, with a focus on clarity, accuracy, and reader relevance.
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