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6 minutes ago Simon Atkinson Australia producer BBC Anika Wells says social media companies should offer an option to switch off algorithms. Australians would be able to switch off social media algorithms under draft legislation to be proposed this week. Communications Minister Anika Wells, who last year implemented the government's world-first social media ban for under-16s, said the new digital duty of care laws would provide 'basic safety protections' for an industry that hasn't had to observe them.
If tech firms like Meta, Google, and TikTok don't offer this option, they could face 'substantial' penalties, she said. Some opposition members have criticized the proposal, with Liberal Party leader Angus Taylor calling it 'highly sceptical' and arguing it could amount to censorship. The government will seek expert advice on whether users must opt in or out of algorithms.
This mirrors its previous social media ban approach, where specifics are being worked out before full legislation is introduced. "We want to give Australians more choice over what they see on their social media feeds," Wells told the ABC. "Many Australians appreciate the algorithm for enjoyment or utility, like seeing local businesses in their suburb." She admitted that no tech firm has been fined for not enforcing the social media ban, despite research showing most under-16s still use platforms.
Some opposition members support the idea in principle but argue it could limit freedom of speech. Taylor told News24 he feared it was an attempt to censor social media, suggesting Labor should first address flaws in the social media ban. Wells clarified that this isn't about censorship but identifying risks and making tech firms mitigate them.
High-profile advocate Chanel Contos called for an opt-in algorithm system at the National Press Club, arguing algorithms fuel sexual violence and expose young people to misogynistic content. The draft legislation is expected to be introduced soon and will also require platforms to stop harmful content, like illegal pornography and disordered eating videos, from being shared.
Source: bbc.com
