How much control should we have over the algorithm? - podcast
News Source
β’Mon, 07 Sep 2026 15:00:23 GMT
π° What Happened
Social media users could soon be able to turn off the algorithms that pick what they see. The federal government is preparing new digital duty of care laws that would make this possible. The Guardian's Full Story podcast explores what change would mean.
Technology reporter Josh Taylor joins presenter Reged Ahmad to look at Labor's proposed crackdown on recommendation feeds. The big question is whether an off switch would actually make platforms safer. The episode also examines who is against the idea.
The Coalition warns the change could become internet censorship. Big tech companies also depend on these feeds to make money, so they have a huge stake in keeping things the same.
π The Backstory
Social media apps use algorithms to choose posts, videos and ads for each user. These feeds keep users scrolling and make money from the attention. But many people now worry about the effect of the feeds what they see and share.
Australian politicians have been arguing about social media safety for years. The government has pushed to hold platforms to a higher duty of care. The Coalition says new laws go too far and reach into what people can freely see.
Similar debates have spread across governments around the world. The question about who controls the feed, the user or the company, is not going to go. That is why this episode matters.
π― Why It Matters
Algorithms quietly pick most of what you read and watch online. If the app gave you the choice to stop that feed, your online life could change a lot. The fight goes over safety, free speech, and who is in the driver's seat.
Social media users could soon be able to turn off the algorithms that pick what they see. The federal government is preparing new digital duty of care laws that would make this possible. The Guardian's Full Story podcast explores what change would mean.
Technology reporter Josh Taylor joins presenter Reged Ahmad to look at Labor's proposed crackdown on recommendation feeds. The big question is whether an off switch would actually make platforms safer. The episode also examines who is against the idea.
The Coalition warns the change could become internet censorship. Big tech companies also depend on these feeds to make money, so they have a huge stake in keeping things the same.
Social media apps use algorithms to choose posts, videos and ads for each user. These feeds keep users scrolling and make money from the attention. But many people now worry about the effect of the feeds what they see and share.
Australian politicians have been arguing about social media safety for years. The government has pushed to hold platforms to a higher duty of care. The Coalition says new laws go too far and reach into what people can freely see.
Similar debates have spread across governments around the world. The question about who controls the feed, the user or the company, is not going to go. That is why this episode matters.
Algorithms quietly pick most of what you read and watch online. If the app gave you the choice to stop that feed, your online life could change a lot. The fight goes over safety, free speech, and who is in the driver's seat.