Australia Plans New Rules Giving Users Control Over Social Media Feeds

Australia has proposed new social media regulations that would give users greater control over the content appearing in their feeds, expanding the government’s efforts to strengthen online safety and regulate major technology platforms.

Under draft legislation unveiled by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s centre-left Labor government, social media companies would be required to inform users about how their default feeds operate and provide a choice over algorithmic recommendations.

Users could opt in to personalised feeds that use algorithms to recommend content based on their activity and interests. Those who opt out would instead see posts only from friends, accounts and creators they have chosen to follow.

“This is sensible, pragmatic, practical reform,” Albanese told reporters, adding that the measures would give Australians more choice while holding technology companies accountable for complying with the country’s laws.

The proposal, called “My Feed, My Way,” follows similar measures introduced under the European Union’s Digital Services Act. Since 2024, major online platforms operating in the EU have been required to offer users alternatives to feeds based on profiling.

Social media algorithms have faced increasing global scrutiny amid concerns that recommendation systems can encourage excessive platform use by repeatedly serving users similar or highly engaging content.

The Australian proposal would also require digital platforms to document how they address identified risks of harm to users and demonstrate that their safeguards remain effective over time.

Companies that fail to comply could face penalties of up to A$109.2 million ($79 million). Australia’s eSafety regulator would oversee enforcement and receive expanded powers to order technology companies to quickly remove harmful, illegal and certain nudity-related content.

Some free speech advocates have raised concerns that the proposed measures could lead to censorship. Albanese rejected that characterization, saying the initiative is intended to put control in the hands of users rather than the government.

Meta Platforms, which owns Facebook and Instagram, and Google parent Alphabet did not immediately comment on the proposal.

The Australian government plans to consult digital platforms, industry groups, civil society organisations and other advocates before introducing the social media legislation to Parliament later this year.