Australia to propose social media algorithm opt-out and increased tech fines

digital duty of care social media algorithms online safety big tech regulation under-16 social media ban

The Australian government is preparing to introduce new digital duty of care legislation aimed at increasing accountability for social media companies. A key component of the proposed laws would allow users to opt out of recommender algorithms, giving them more control over their content feeds. Communications Minister Anika Wells stated that tech giants like Meta, Google, and TikTok should face substantial penalties if they fail to provide this choice.

Separately, the government is pushing to strengthen existing social media age restrictions for those under 16. This includes granting the eSafety Commissioner greater investigative powers and increasing maximum fines for non-compliance to nearly $110 million. The government claims the current ban has already led to the removal or deactivation of over five million underage accounts.

However, the effectiveness of current measures has been questioned. A June study published by the British Medical Journal found that over 85 percent of under-16s surveyed continued to use social media three months after the ban took effect, suggesting that age verification processes may be easily bypassed. Opposition members have expressed skepticism, with some warning that the proposed measures could amount to censorship.

Entities

Albanese government · Angus Taylor · Anika Wells · Australia · Australian Government · Australian Labor Party · Chanel Contos · Fix Our Feeds · Julie Inman Grant · Matt Thistlethwaite · Meta · Senate

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 4 SOURCES] Breaches of the proposed digital duty of care laws could result in fines exceeding $100 million. theqldr.com.au · www.startupdaily.net · womensagenda.com.au
[● 8 SOURCES] New draft laws would allow users to opt out of social media recommender algorithms. theqldr.com.au · womensagenda.com.au · www.ziarulnational.md · www.nouvelles-du-monde.com · www.bbc.co.uk · +2 more
[DISPUTED] A June study found over 85 percent of under-16s surveyed continued using social media three months after a ban took effect. www.perthnow.com.au · eveningreport.nz
[● 6 SOURCES] The social media ban has resulted in the removal or deactivation of over five million accounts. www.perthnow.com.au · www.watoday.com.au · www.theage.com.au · www.smh.com.au · region.com.au
[● 6 SOURCES] Communications Minister Anika Wells accused the Coalition and Greens of delaying urgent safety laws. www.perthnow.com.au · www.watoday.com.au · www.theage.com.au · www.smh.com.au · region.com.au
[● 6 SOURCES] Proposed amendments would allow fines of up to $109.2 million for companies breaching social media age laws. www.watoday.com.au · www.theage.com.au · www.smh.com.au · region.com.au · www.perthnow.com.au