Australia to mandate social media algorithm opt-out in 'duty of care' push

The Australian government is preparing draft legislation that would require social media giants to allow users to opt out of personalized algorithms. The move aims to curb online harm by giving users a legal right to bypass the curated feeds that dominate modern digital consumption.

Under the proposed laws, Big Tech companies would be mandated to provide a clear choice to disable algorithmic curation, which would potentially return users to chronological feeds of the accounts they follow. Communications Minister Anika Wells stated that while many Australians may still prefer algorithmic curation, "Big Tech should offer them the choice in the first place, and they should respect that choice."

A Shift in Digital Responsibility

This legislative push is rooted in a "digital duty of care" framework. Unlike previous models that relied on users reporting harmful content after the fact, this framework shifts the legal burden to the platforms. Companies would be obligated to proactively reduce foreseeable risks of harm, with Wells noting, "If we want to prevent harm, we must fix platforms that reward it."

This initiative follows Australia's aggressive stance on protecting minors, including the implementation of a world-first ban on social media for users under 16 in December 2025. The current focus targets the proliferation of misogynistic content and the "manosphere," where profit-driven algorithms are accused of leading young men toward extremist views under the guise of self-improvement.

The Debate Over Consent

While the government is currently focusing on an opt-out model, some advocates argue the measure does not go far enough. Chanel Contos, CEO of Teach Us Consent, is pushing for a stricter "opt-in" default, which would require users to actively choose to enable algorithms rather than having them on by default.

Contos argues that opt-in algorithms would bring the principle of affirmative consent to digital screens, making the transition onto social media safer for 16-year-olds and other vulnerable users. This distinction is critical, as an opt-in model would fundamentally change the default experience for millions of new users.

Global Implications

If passed, these laws would represent one of the first major legislative attempts to break the "black box" of algorithmic curation. By granting users a legal right to a non-algorithmic experience, Australia could set a global precedent for how governments regulate the psychological impact of addictive feed designs.

Observers are now watching to see if the final draft of the laws will stick to the government's opt-out proposal or pivot toward the stricter opt-in requirements demanded by safety advocates. The outcome will likely signal the extent to which the Australian government is willing to challenge the core business models of the world's largest tech firms.