Full Breakdown
Australia Proposes “My Feed, My Way” to Let Users Opt Out of Algorithmic Feeds
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Proposal and Legislative Timeline
The Australian government released a draft of the Digital Duty of Care on September 8, 2026 for targeted consultation. The draft introduces the “My Feed, My Way” initiative, giving users a clear choice between the default, algorithm-personalised feed and a feed that displays only posts from accounts they follow. Social-media platforms, AI chatbots and gaming services must present pop-up messages to new and existing users offering this option. The legislation also empowers the eSafety Commissioner to issue removal notices to apps and websites and obliges firms to document measures taken to mitigate identified risks. Non-compliance could attract fines of up to $79 million.
Rationale and International Context
The plan is part of a broader push for stronger online-safety norms, aiming to curb features that encourage “doom-scrolling” and addiction. Researchers have linked algorithm-driven designs to excessive use, especially among young people. In the United States, Meta (parent of Facebook and Instagram) recently settled U.S. state claims for $16.68 billion, alleging that its platforms were designed to addict children.
Australia’s approach mirrors the European Union’s Digital Services Act (2022), which also requires an opt-out from personalised content. A 2025 Dutch rights-group case against Meta for breaching the DSA highlighted implementation challenges, noting that firms have not made the opt-out process user-friendly.
Official Statements & Responses
- “The digital duty of care will ensure online service providers – including some of the most powerful companies in the world – step up and do more to keep Australians safe from harm on their platforms,” — Australian Minister
Criticism & Opposition
The industry lobby group DIGI, representing firms such as Meta, Snapchat and Google, defended algorithms as tools that help users discover diverse content.
Some opposition politicians have warned that the measures could open the door to censorship, arguing that mandatory pop-ups and removal notices may pressure platforms to limit certain material.
Data & Statistics
- Potential penalty for breach: $79 million (draft legislation).
- Recent U.S. settlement involving algorithm-related addiction claims: $16.68 billion (Meta).
- The EU’s Digital Services Act (2022) includes a similar opt-out provision, but compliance has been uneven, as noted in a 2025 Dutch court case.
These elements together outline Australia’s effort to give users direct control over algorithmic feeds while imposing new safety obligations on digital platforms.
