The US embassy in Canberra formally objected to Australia's draft digital duty of care laws, which would require tech platforms to let users opt out of content algorithms or face fines. The submission argued vague definitions of 'harm' could enable viewpoint-based censorship, suppress independent journalists, and affect users globally, not just in Australia. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, speaking during a US visit, defended the laws as returning control to individuals rather than governments.
bbc.co.uk
· 2026-09-23
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.
fastcompany.com
· 2026-09-08
Australia's government unveiled a proposed 'My Feed, My Way' law that would require social media platforms to let users over 16 choose between an algorithm-driven feed or one showing only content from people they follow. Platforms would need to notify users to select a default option, and non-compliance could bring fines up to AU$109.2 million (about $79 million). The bill, headed to Parliament this year, also targets addictive design features in AI chatbots and games aimed at minors.
cnbc.com
· 2026-09-08
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