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My Feed, My Way

2026-09-08 | original

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Why This Matters

Australia is following its under-16 social media ban with a Digital Duty of Care bill that would legally require platforms to make their services safe by design, rather than just reacting to complaints. The headline "My Feed, My Way" provision would force platforms to let users choose a non-algorithmic default feed — a direct challenge to the recommendation engines that drive engagement and ad revenue. If passed, it becomes another template other regulators may copy, as happened with the age ban.

Key Takeaways

Platforms must notify all new and existing users and let them opt out of algorithmic recommendations in favour of a follow-only default feed.
Games, apps and AI chatbots would have to shield under-18s from addictive design and harmful content including pro-eating-disorder material, pornography and misogynistic content.
eSafety gains new enforcement teeth, including removal notices for nudify apps and streamlined cyberbullying and adult cyber abuse schemes; draft is out for targeted consultation.

Worth a Look

Digital Minimalism by Cal Newport — If Australia's new algorithm opt-out rules have you rethinking how much your feed runs your life, Cal Newport's Digital Minimalism is the perfect companion read. It offers a practical philosophy for reclaiming attention from engagement-optimised platforms, exactly the concern behind the Digital Duty of Care legislation.

See Digital Minimalism by Cal Newport on Amazon → Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Product picked by AI based on this article; it is not a tested recommendation.

The Albanese Government is taking the next step following its world leading social media age ban to ensure Australians have more choice online, with draft legislation for the Digital Duty of Care released today for targeted consultation.

These new laws will put the onus on digital service providers to provide a safe online environment, setting minimum standards for the features and tools they use.

This will include an Australian first, “My Feed, My Way,” initiative which will give Australians control over their social media algorithms.

Social media platforms will be required to send a notification to new and existing users offering them a choice over their default feed.

Users can choose to opt in to having their default feed include personalised content recommended by the algorithm. Alternatively, users can opt out of personally recommended content in their default feed and see the friends and creators they choose to follow.

This will give Australians greater choice over their platforms and what they see.

Further, digital services like online games, apps and AI chatbots will be required to protect under 18s from design features that have negative behavioural impacts, like addictive features or those that can have an effect on a young person’s self-esteem.

They will also be required to protect under 18s from harmful content like:

content that promotes, encourages or accelerates eating disorders

content that promotes hostile ideas about women and gender equality

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Explore topics: albanese government digital duty of care social media algorithms my feed my way ai chatbots