Labor wants Australians to be able to opt out of online algorithms. How will it change your feed?
News Source
β’Tue, 08 Sep 2026 15:00:44 GMT
π° What Happened
Australia's government wants to force social media apps to let users switch off their algorithms. Apps would show a pop-up asking what should fill your main feed. You could keep the algorithm, or see only friends and creators you choose to follow. Search engines and AI chatbots would be covered too.
Platforms would also run yearly risk checks and fix any dangers they find. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expects strong pushback from big tech. The opposition says the plan could let the government censor feeds. Campaigners like Chanel Contos welcome the reform, and the Greens want even tougher rules.
π The Backstory
The plan, called 'my feed, my way', is part of a digital duty of care law. It follows Australia's earlier ban on social media for teenagers. The government argues platforms push divisive content to keep users hooked.
For years, apps have used personal data to choose posts and ads. Critics say this spreads harmful content and harms young people. Australia is testing whether the law can give control back to users.
π― Why It Matters
This could change what millions of Australians see every day. If it works, your feed shows posts from people you chose, not content picked to keep you scrolling. That is a huge shift in how social media works.
Australia's government wants to force social media apps to let users switch off their algorithms. Apps would show a pop-up asking what should fill your main feed. You could keep the algorithm, or see only friends and creators you choose to follow. Search engines and AI chatbots would be covered too.
Platforms would also run yearly risk checks and fix any dangers they find. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expects strong pushback from big tech. The opposition says the plan could let the government censor feeds. Campaigners like Chanel Contos welcome the reform, and the Greens want even tougher rules.
The plan, called 'my feed, my way', is part of a digital duty of care law. It follows Australia's earlier ban on social media for teenagers. The government argues platforms push divisive content to keep users hooked.
For years, apps have used personal data to choose posts and ads. Critics say this spreads harmful content and harms young people. Australia is testing whether the law can give control back to users.
This could change what millions of Australians see every day. If it works, your feed shows posts from people you chose, not content picked to keep you scrolling. That is a huge shift in how social media works.