Australians to Have Control Over Social Media Algorithms
Australians will be able to switch off social media algorithms under planned legislation, according to BBC News. The announcement was made by Communications Minister Anika Wells, who is proposing digital duty of care laws to provide "some basic safety protections" in the industry.
Wells stated that tech firms like Meta, Google, and TikTok should offer users the option to turn off algorithms, or face substantial penalties. This proposal has sparked debate, with some opposition members criticizing it as potential censorship.
The government is taking expert advice on whether users will opt in or out of algorithms. Wells emphasized the desire to give Australians more control over their online experiences, stating, "Big tech is not a protected species and they should offer their customers basic safety standards."
Despite a social media ban for under-16s introduced last year, no tech company has been fined for non-compliance. Wells acknowledged this gap but argued that the new legislation aims to encourage tech firms to identify and mitigate risks on their platforms, rather than censor content.
The draft legislation is expected to be proposed in the coming days, addressing not only algorithms but also harmful content sharing, such as illegal pornography and disordered eating videos.