GoKawiilAustralia proposes Digital Duty of Care law letting users opt out of feed algorithms
Australia's government unveiled proposed legislation that would require social media platforms to let users over 16 choose whether their feeds are shaped by algorithms or simply show content from accounts they follow. The bill also mandates protections for children against harmful content, including material promoting eating disorders, misogyny, pornography, crime and dangerous stunts, and covers apps, games and AI chatbots with addictive design features. Companies that fail to comply could face fines up to AU$109.2 million.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
This builds on Australia's earlier world-first ban on under-16s holding social media accounts, positioning the country as a global testbed for aggressive platform regulation. Giving users direct control over algorithmic curation challenges the core engagement-driven business model of major platforms, and the steep penalties signal a willingness to enforce compliance rather than rely on voluntary industry standards.
- Users 16+ could opt out of algorithm-driven feeds in favor of content from followed accounts
- Digital Duty of Care law also targets harmful content and addictive design in apps, games and AI chatbots
- Non-compliant companies risk fines up to AU$109.2 million (~$78.6 million)
Stolen Focus" by Johann Hari (book) — If Australia's push to let users switch off the algorithm has you thinking about who really controls your feed, Johann Hari's Stolen Focus digs into exactly that: how engagement-driven tech reshapes attention. It's a great read for anyone wanting to reclaim their own scrolling habits while the lawmakers argue it out.
See Stolen Focus" by Johann Hari (book) 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.Source: fastcompany.com, 2026-09-08
Published there as: “Social media users in Australia are moving closer to controlling their feeds. Here’s how”
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