Australia Introduces World’s First Law to Counter Social Media Algorithms

Australia is set to become the first country globally to legislate user control over social media algorithms. Under a newly introduced bill, digital platforms will be required to offer users—aged 16 and older—a choice between an algorithmically curated feed and a chronological stream consisting solely of posts from accounts they follow directly.

“My Feed, My Way” initiative

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced the proposal under the banner “My Feed, My Way”, describing it as a mechanism to shift decision-making power from platform operators to individual users. The legislation mandates that platforms notify both new and existing users aged 16 and above about this option and allow them to select their default feed type at the outset—and at any time thereafter.

Albanese emphasized that the measure does not expand governmental authority over digital platforms. Instead, he stated, it “gives individuals themselves that power”. He positioned the bill as the next step following Australia’s earlier world-first ban on social media use for children below a specified age.

The Prime Minister credited advocacy efforts by parents and rights-focused activists as the driving force behind the initiative, affirming that the government had supported—and would continue to support—their work.

Digital duty of care expands beyond social media

The proposed law extends a statutory “duty of care” to all digital services used daily by Australians, including social media platforms, messaging apps, gaming platforms, chatbots, and other applications. Communications Minister Anika Wells explained that this obligation requires service providers to implement safeguards against harmful content and features, particularly for users under 18.

Harmful content, as defined in the bill, includes material promoting eating disorders; hostile or discriminatory views toward women and gender equality; pornography; and widely circulated online “challenges” that glorify crime, life-threatening acts, or severe psychological distress—including abuse and cyberbullying.

Wells underscored that the duty of care applies broadly—not only to social media—but also to other digital environments where children interact. She noted the law will equip parents with tools to help safeguard their families online.

Enforcement and penalties

Non-compliant platforms could face fines of up to A$100 million (US$72 million). The bill remains subject to parliamentary approval and is expected to be introduced later this year.

Minister Wells affirmed that the digital duty of care will hold online service providers—including some of the world’s most powerful corporations—to account, obliging them to take greater responsibility and exert additional effort to protect Australians from foreseeable harms occurring on their platforms.