Australia to force social media platforms to allow users to opt out of algorithms
Draft legislation enforces digital duty of care including limiting children's exposure to misogynistic and eating disorder content
TL;DR
- Users over 16 can opt out of algorithmic social media feeds, seeing only followed content.
- Platforms face fines over A$100m for non-compliance.
- New laws create a digital duty of care for users under 18, protecting them from harmful content.
- Harmful content includes pornography, promotion of eating disorders, misogyny, glorification of crime, and content causing mental distress.
- The eSafety commissioner can issue removal notices to social media companies.
- Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasizes giving control to people, not the government.
- The government aims to shift power from tech companies to ordinary Australians.
- Other countries like France, Britain, and New Zealand are implementing similar social media restrictions for children.