Australian Social Media Users May Opt Out of Algorithms Under Proposed Law

How Would the Opt-Out Mechanism Work in Practice

Australia is considering new digital duty of care legislation that could allow social media users to disable algorithmic feeds and see only content from accounts they choose. The proposal, currently under government review, aims to give individuals greater control over their online experience by reducing exposure to addictive or harmful content driven by recommendation systems. If passed, the law would require platforms to offer a chronological, friend-only feed as a default option, though compliance remains uncertain.

The legislation stems from growing public concern over doomscrolling and the psychological impact of endless, algorithmically curated content. Users have long complained about being shown irrelevant or distressing videos they did not seek out, often leading to prolonged screen time and anxiety. Advocates argue that restoring user agency could improve mental well-being and reduce manipulation by engagement-driven design. Tech companies, however, may resist changes that threaten their advertising models built on predictive algorithms.

Can Platforms Really Be Forced to Change Their Core Systems

Under the proposed framework, social media platforms would need to provide a clear toggle allowing users to switch from algorithmic ranking to a simple chronological feed of followed accounts. This option would not remove ads but would prioritize posts based on time of publication rather than predicted engagement. The government says the change would not ban algorithms entirely but ensure users have a meaningful alternative. Enforcement would rely on regular audits and potential penalties for non-compliance, though details on oversight are still being finalised.

While the law could mandate the feature’s availability, experts question whether companies will make it easy to access or use. Past regulatory efforts in other jurisdictions have seen platforms bury settings or degrade the user experience of non-algorithmic feeds to discourage adoption. Critics warn that without strict design standards, the opt-out might exist in name only. Supporters counter that transparency requirements and user testing could prevent such workarounds, ensuring the choice is genuine and accessible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Would this law apply to all social media platforms operating in Australia? Yes, the legislation would likely cover major platforms with significant Australian user bases, requiring them to offer the chronological feed option regardless of where their headquarters are located.

When could the law take effect if approved? If passed by parliament, the legislation would likely include a grace period of 12 to 18 months for platforms to implement the required changes before enforcement begins.