Full Breakdown
Australia to Offer Opt-Out From Social Media Algorithms Under Draft “Digital Duty of Care” Law
9/7/2026, 8:04:54 AM
Core Proposal: Opt-Out Option and New Duty of Care
The Australian government is preparing a draft “digital duty of care” bill that would require major social-media platforms—such as Meta, Google and TikTok—to provide users with a clear pop-up option to turn off algorithmic recommendation feeds. Platforms would also be obliged to identify and mitigate risks associated with harmful content, including illegal pornography and material that promotes disordered eating. Breaches of the law could attract fines of more than A$100 million. The legislation is slated for introduction to Parliament in the coming days, with the exposure draft released on September 7.
Background & Context
Australia introduced a world-first ban on under-16s accessing social-media platforms in December 2025, aiming to shield children from online bullying and “predatory algorithms.” Despite the ban, data released in August showed that under-16 Australians continued to increase their use of apps such as Instagram and TikTok. The new digital duty of care proposal builds on that earlier effort, extending regulatory focus from age-based access to the mechanics of content recommendation itself.
Data & Statistics
- The under-16 ban achieved an estimated 4.4 % reduction in youth platform usage, a figure described by opposition leaders as “immaterial.”
- August-2026 data indicated a rise in social-media usage among Australian children despite the ban.
Official Statements & Responses
The government will seek expert advice on whether users should opt in or out of algorithmic feeds and the eSafety Commissioner, together with independent researchers, would be empowered to monitor platform compliance.
High-profile consent advocate Chanel Contos addressed the National Press Club, urging an opt-in model for algorithmic feeds and linking algorithmic amplification to the prevalence of sexual violence and misogynistic “manosphere” content.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is expected to highlight the proposal at the United Nations General Assembly later this month, positioning it as part of a broader international push to curb online harm.
Criticism & Opposition
Opposition leader Angus Taylor expressed “deep scepticism,” warning that the measures could amount to government censorship and urging the Labor government to first fix shortcomings in the under-16 ban.
Outgoing Liberal senator Jonno Duniam likened the plan to previous anti-misinformation bills, suggesting it could grant the communications minister “enormous” discretion.
One Nation leader Pauline Hanson warned that the proposal would create “Orwellian machinery” for internet control.
Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young proposed an alternative “opt-in” bill, arguing that users should give explicit consent before being subjected to algorithmic curation.
Verbatim Quotes
- “A lot of Australians appreciate the algorithm, both for the enjoyment they get out of it or the utility they get out of it,” — Communications Minister Anika Wells
- “We want to give Australians more choice over what they see on their social media feeds,” — Anika Wells
What's Next
The exposure draft will be tabled in Parliament within days, after which legislators will debate its specific mechanisms. If passed, the law will empower the eSafety Commissioner and accredited researchers to conduct compliance checks, including undercover monitoring of youth-focused feeds.
