Australia has unveiled a legislative proposal that would allow social media users to opt out of algorithmically recommended content, in a move with the potential to widen user control over digital platforms and reinforce global efforts to limit online harms and increase regulation of the big techs.
Under the “Digital Duty of Care” bill, released on Tuesday (8) by the Labour government, social media users in the country would be able to block content suggested by algorithms and directly choose the material they want to view in their feeds.
The proposal opens a new front in regulatory clashes between the Australian government and companies such as Meta, owner of Facebook and Instagram, TikTok and other digital platforms. Australia had already been a pioneer by approving a ban on social media use by minors under 16 years old, a measure that came into effect last year and inspired similar initiatives in other countries.
Meta declined to comment on the proposal. Representatives from TikTok and Snap did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Regulators around the world have been turning increasing attention to what they consider design mechanisms with addictive potential in social networks. Last month, Meta agreed to pay up to US$18 billion to settle lawsuits brought by U.S. states related to the impacts of social networks on teenagers.
Among the terms of the settlement are the adoption of new protections for youths, including limits on the time spent on the platforms and restrictions on disabling security settings without parental authorization.
“There have been significant developments in recent weeks. This is our contribution,” said Australian Communications Minister Anika Wells during a press conference.
The approach based on the so-called “duty of care” seeks to compel technology companies to develop products that are safe by design. According to the government, violations of the future legislation could result in fines of up to A$109.2 million (about US$79 million).
The European Union has also stepped up regulatory pressure on platforms and is investigating allegations that Meta’s products have addictive features for children and adolescents.
Although details about implementation have not yet been defined, experts assess that the Australian proposal fits into a global trend of expanding users’ power over digital services.
“There is a global shift toward governments seeking to empower users and give them more control over how they interact with digital services, including the possibility of limiting personalization resources,” said Ewan Lusty, partner at Flint Global.
Under the proposal, platforms would be required to send notifications to both new and existing users offering the option to choose how they want to configure their feeds.
The project also provides for new obligations for online games, apps and AI chatbots. These services would have to protect under-18s from design features considered harmful, such as functionalities with addictive potential or that could negatively affect the self-esteem of young people.
Additionally, companies will have to take steps to prevent minors from being exposed to content that:
- promote or encourage eating disorders;
- disseminate hostile ideas against women or gender equality;
- contain pornography;
- glorify crimes or dangerous practices;
- cause serious psychological distress, including harassment and bullying.
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