Australia proposes giving users a choice of social media feeds
The Australian government has proposed legislative changes that would require social media platforms to offer users a choice of how their default feed is formed. People will be able to opt out of algorithmic recommendations and see only posts from friends and creators they follow, The Jerusalem Post reports.
Feed choice
The reform proposal is called “My Feed, My Way.” Under the proposed rules, platforms will have to inform users about available settings and give them a choice regarding their default feed.
Users will be able to opt for a personalized feed with content recommended by an algorithm. The alternative will be a feed without algorithmic recommendations, containing only posts from friends and content creators they have chosen to follow.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the initiative is intended to give users more control and provides for accountability of major technology companies for inaction in cases of non-compliance with laws.
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Oversight and fines
As part of the initiative, digital platforms will also have to document the measures they take to respond to identified risks of harm to Australian users and ensure that these measures remain effective over time.
Companies that fail to comply with the requirements could face fines of up to A$109.2 million, or about US$79 million. Compliance with and enforcement of the rules will be overseen by Australia’s online regulator, eSafety.
The regulator is also planned to be granted powers to issue requirements to technology companies for the rapid removal of harmful, illegal and nudity-related content. At the same time, free speech advocates warned that the proposed rules could lead to censorship.
The government is to hold consultations with digital platforms, industry associations, civil society organizations and activists. The bill is expected to be introduced to parliament this year.
