Australian PM announces opt-out laws for social media algorithms

Australians will be able to opt out of content algorithms on social media platforms under proposed laws, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced on Tuesday.



Albanese told reporters at Parliament House that the digital duty of care laws would require social media platforms to give users the choice to opt out of algorithms and only see content from accounts that they follow.



Additionally, Albanese and Communications Minister Anika Wells said the proposed laws would require platforms to protect users younger than 18 from harmful content, including content that promotes eating disorders, misogynistic content and content that glorifies crime.



Platforms found to breach the new regulations will face fines worth up to 100 million Australian dollars.



"It's about giving people control. It's about putting choice back into the hands of Australians online," Albanese said.



Wells described the new laws as the next step forward in requiring technology companies to take responsibility for the harms caused by their platforms.