Australians could opt out of social media algorithms under proposed law

Australians could be given the option of opting out of powerful social media algorithms under new legislation cracking down on big tech, a minister said on Monday.

The draft law requiring a “digital duty of care” is expected to be introduced to Australia’s parliament this week.

It would require firms like Meta Platforms to give users the option of turning off algorithms that tailor recommendations to their personal taste.

“A lot of Australians appreciate the algorithm, both for the enjoyment they get out of it or the utility they get out of it,” Communications Minister Anika Wells told national broadcaster ABC.

“A lot of Australians will want to choose the algorithm – but we think that big tech should offer them the choice in the first place, and they should respect that choice,” she said

“We should give Australians more choice over what they should see on their feeds.”