Full Breakdown
Australia Proposes “My Feed, My Way” Law Giving Users Choice Over Algorithmic Feeds
9/8/2026, 9:30:14 AM
New Opt-Out Rules for Social Media Feeds
On September 8 the Albanese government will introduce draft legislation that obliges major platforms to let users decide whether their home feed is curated by an algorithm or limited to posts from accounts they follow. Users aged 16 and older could opt out of algorithmic recommendations and view only content from friends and chosen creators. The proposal follows Australia’s earlier ban on children’s access to social-media platforms and mirrors the European Union’s Digital Services Act, which requires an opt-out from profiling.
Legislative Details and Penalties
The draft “Digital Duty of Care” laws would require platforms to notify users of the default feed setting and document risk-mitigation measures. The eSafety Commissioner would enforce compliance and could issue notices to remove harmful, nudity-related, or illegal material. Non-compliance may attract fines of up to A$109.2 million (approximately S$99.7 million).
Official Statements & Responses
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese framed the reforms as “sensible, pragmatic, practical” and emphasized user empowerment:
- “This is sensible, pragmatic, practical reform,” — Prime Minister Anthony Albanese
- “It’s not about giving government control. It’s about giving people control,” — Anthony Albanese, prime minister
He added that the measures would hold “big-tech companies responsible for inaction” and that “it’s not about giving government control. It’s about giving people control.”
Communications Minister Anika Wells reiterated that the changes will provide “genuine and enduring choice” for Australians over 16, allowing a clear selection between algorithm-defined feeds and a “friends-only” view.
Potential Concerns
Free-speech advocates have warned that the legislation could lead to censorship if platforms err on the side of removal to avoid penalties. The debate highlights a tension between protecting users from addictive or harmful content and preserving open expression online.
What’s Next
The draft will be debated in Parliament after its September 8 release, with eSafety slated to develop detailed compliance guidelines pending legislative approval.
