# Australia advances social media bans and algorithm laws > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/australian-social-media-regulation-debate > Updated: 2026-09-07T23:27:04.000Z. Sources: 98. Developments: 4. The Australian government has introduced the Online Safety Amendment (Digital Duty of Care) Bill 2026, an amendment to the existing Online Safety Act. Described by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese as ‘world leading’, the legislation seeks to regulate how technology companies manage digital safety, drawing parallels to the European Union’s Digital Services Act. A central component is the ‘My Feed, My Way’ program, which would allow users aged 16 and older to opt out of algorithmically curated feeds in favor of content exclusively from accounts they follow. To facilitate this, platforms must notify both new and existing users of their choice. The proposed framework extends safety obligations to social networks, online games, apps, and AI chatbots, requiring them to protect users under 18 from harmful content—including material promoting eating disorders, misogyny, pornography, or dangerous stunts—and to mitigate addictive design features. Non-compliance could result in fines of up to approximately Aus$109.2 million. While the government frames these reforms as a way to ‘return control to individuals’, the Coalition has announced its opposition to the bill in its current form. Opposition leaders argue the legislation grants the Communications Minister excessive power to define harms, potentially providing a ‘blank cheque’ for government control. Critics express concern that the bill lacks adequate safeguards for journalism and could lead to the political censorship of lawful speech and news. ## Claims - Australia previously implemented a ban on social media accounts for children under the age of 16. (disputed by 28 sources) - A June study found over 85 percent of under-16s surveyed continued using social media three months after a ban took effect. (disputed by 2 sources) - The proposed law would require social media platforms to allow users aged 16 and older to opt out of algorithmic feeds. (corroborated by 40 sources) - The Australian government has introduced a draft law called 'Digital Duty of Care' to regulate digital services. (corroborated by 38 sources) - Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated the goal is to empower people rather than increase government control. (corroborated by 30 sources) - The proposed regulations would apply to social networks, online games, apps, and AI chatbots. (corroborated by 25 sources) - Companies could face fines of up to Aus$109 million if they fail to comply with the duty of care. (corroborated by 15 sources) - The social media ban has resulted in the removal or deactivation of over five million accounts. (corroborated by 6 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-07: Australia proposes laws to let social media users opt out of algorithms Australia has proposed ‘Digital Duty of Care’ laws, allowing users over 16 to opt out of social media algorithms and mandating stricter protections for minors against harmful online content. 81 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/australia-to-propose-legislation-allowing-users-to-opt-out-of-social-media-algorithms ### 2026-09-05: Australia to propose social media algorithm opt-out and increased tech fines Australia is set to introduce new digital duty of care laws, allowing users to opt out of social media algorithms and increasing fines for tech companies to nearly $110 million to protect minors. 23 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/australia-to-mandate-social-media-algorithm-opt-outs-under-new-laws ### 2026-09-03: Australia to unveil new social media digital duty of care laws The Australian government plans to introduce social media ‘duty of care’ laws next week, facing opposition from the Coalition and One Nation over free speech concerns. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/australia-to-unveil-new-social-media-digital-duty-of-care-laws ### 2026-09-03: Australian leaders push for social media algorithm opt-in reforms Australian leaders and advocates are pushing for social media reforms that would allow users to opt out of recommendation algorithms to prevent exposure to harmful, violent, or misogynistic content. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/australian-leaders-push-for-social-media-algorithm-opt-in-reforms --- Cite as: Australia advances social media bans and algorithm laws. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/australian-social-media-regulation-debate