Australian leaders push for social media algorithm opt-in reforms

Australian advocates and political leaders are calling for reforms to social media algorithms to protect users, particularly young people, from harmful content. Chanel Contos, founder of Teach Us Consent, has urged the federal government to implement an opt-in model for algorithm-driven feeds. Under this proposal, users would see posts chronologically from accounts they follow by default, with personalized recommendations requiring active consent.

Contos warned that current profit-driven algorithms often direct young men toward misogynistic “manosphere” content. NSW Premier Chris Minns has expressed strong support for such measures, stating that social media companies will likely oppose the change but emphasizing that the influence of algorithms is “the problem of our times.” Minns noted that users are frequently served graphic or violent material without actively searching for it.

While Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has expressed support for giving Australians greater control over their digital experience, he has not yet endorsed a specific opt-in model. The federal government is currently considering various options and developing a digital duty of care to require platforms to proactively mitigate foreseeable risks to users.