Australia plans to introduce opt-out from algorithmic social media feeds
The Australian federal government plans to submit a draft law to parliament this week that could require social media platforms to regularly offer users the option to opt out of algorithmic feeds. This was reported by ABC News Australia.
Under the draft, platforms would have to display pop-up messages offering a choice: remain on an algorithmically curated feed or view only posts from accounts followed by the user. Algorithms prioritize content based, among other things, on consumption habits, demographic data and the user’s location.
Duty to minimize harm
The initiative is part of the Digital Duty of Care draft. According to ABC, the proposed law would impose an obligation on companies to identify and reduce risks on platforms, as well as prevent the spread of harmful content. This applies to illegal content, including illegal pornography that may be accessible to adults.
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For users under the age of 18, the draft provides for around six additional categories of psychosocial harm. These include body image material and bullying. Companies could face fines of more than $100 million for violating the requirements.
Oversight of platforms
The eSafety Commissioner and registered independent researchers may receive powers to inspect platforms using so-called sock puppets — accounts that pose as children. This would make it possible to track what content is offered to minors online.
Australia’s opposition does not yet have a unified position on algorithms. Coalition leader Angus Taylor said the political force had not yet reviewed the government’s proposal and wanted greater parental control over content for children. At the same time, the Greens are calling for a tougher approach under which users would have to separately consent to an algorithmic feed.
