Australia proposes user control over social media algorithms with $100m fines

Australia is advancing legislation that would require social media platforms to offer users a choice between algorithmic recommendations and chronological feeds from accounts they follow. The proposed "My Feed, My Way" reforms were outlined by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Wednesday and follow a December ban on children under 16 using social media.

Communications Minister Anika Wells said the draft "digital duty of care" law would be introduced to parliament this week. It would compel firms such as Meta to let users turn off algorithms that tailor content to personal taste, while acknowledging many Australians value the utility of algorithmic feeds.

“This is about putting the power back in Australian hands and away from the tech giants.”

The government argues stronger enforcement is needed after the under-16 ban failed to fully keep teenagers off platforms. Legislation before parliament would raise the maximum civil penalty for breaching minimum-age obligations to A$109.2 million (US$100 million). Separate Digital Duty of Care laws propose matching penalties for non-compliance.

Albanese told Sunrise the changes aim to put Australians "back in the driver's seat" and cited risks of users encountering pornography and dangerous material within minutes of going online. The broader safety push also targets content promoting eating disorders, misogyny and self-harm.

Data from last month showed under-16s in Australia were increasing their use of Instagram and TikTok despite the ban. The UK and France have since adopted similar age-restriction measures.