Social Media Algorithm Crackdown

What happened

The outlets' own sentences, most widely reported first. Hover or tap one to see who reported it.

Analysis

How it changed

1. 6 Sep

   “Empowering parents to do the same for those that are in their custody, their kids, should absolutely be something we consider.”

   2 outlets · Sydney Morning Herald
2. 7 Sep

   In December, Australia banned under-16s from accessing social media platforms as part of a world-first crackdown designed to protect children from online bullying and “predatory algorithms”.

   3 outlets · Al Jazeera
3. 8 Sep

   Australian social media users to be offered choice to opt out of algorithms

   5 outlets · NPR
4. 10 Sep

   The draft legislation for the Digital Duty of Care was released on Tuesday (September 8, 2026) for targeted consultation.

   2 outlets · The Hindu

Coverage 9 articles

• 10 Sep Australia’s plan to let users opt out of social media algorithms | ExplainedThe Australian government has proposed a plan to give users control over social media algorithms, allowing them to opt out of personalized content and choose what they see online. The "My Feed, My Way" initiative will require tech firms to offer users a choice between algorithm-driven feeds and curated feeds with user-selected content. If the proposal passes, non-compliance could result in fines up to $79 million…The Hindu
• 8 Sep Australia unveils landmark Bill to let social media users opt out of algorithmThe Australian Government has unveiled a landmark bill that would allow social media users to opt out of algorithms controlling their content, with fines of up to A$109 million for non-compliance. The draft Digital Duty of Care bill aims to improve online safety by giving users control over what they see, particularly in regards to misinformation and explicit content. Experts have hailed the move as "profound" but…The Straits Times
• 8 Sep Australian social media users to be offered choice to opt out of algorithmsThe Australian government has proposed new laws that would allow social media users aged 16 and over to opt out of algorithms that personalize their feeds. According to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, the legislation would provide "genuine and enduring choice" for users, who could choose to see only content from friends and creators they follow rather than algorithm-recommended posts. The proposed Digital Duty of…NPR
• 7 Sep Australians will be able to switch off social media algorithms under planned legislationCommunications Minister Anika Wells plans to introduce draft legislation allowing Australians to opt out of social media algorithms. The proposed laws would require tech firms like Meta, Google, and TikTok to give users the option to turn off algorithms or face "substantial" penalties. A public debate has erupted over the proposal, with some opposition members calling it censorship and others expressing support in…BBC
• 7 Sep Australia’s proposed ‘opt out’ law targets Big Tech algorithmsCommunications Minister Anika Wells announced that Australia's government will unveil draft laws requiring companies like Meta to give users an option to turn off algorithms under a "digital duty of care". The proposed legislation aims to tackle online harm, with Wells stating that users should be given a choice in using the algorithm. Opposition leader Angus Taylor expressed skepticism about the bill, fearing it…Al Jazeera
• 7 Sep Australians could opt out of social media algorithms under proposed lawCommunications Minister Anika Wells has proposed a law requiring social media companies to give users an option to opt out of algorithms that tailor their feed. The government's digital duty of care bill would force firms like Meta Platforms to offer chronological feeds as an alternative. No specific numbers or enforcement mechanisms are mentioned in the article. The opposition raises doubts about the effectiveness…South China Morning Post
• 6 Sep Australia news LIVE: Government promises hefty fines for social media giants ahead of Digital Duty of Care bill; Veterans to lay down medals in escalation of healthcare fightThe Australian government has promised to impose fines of up to $100 million on social media companies if they fail to protect under-16s on their platforms as part of its draft Digital Duty of Care legislation. The move comes as Parliament resumes in Canberra and prepares to finalize the bill, which will go to the Senate tomorrow. Meanwhile, veterans are protesting outside Parliament House by laying down their…Sydney Morning Herald
• 6 Sep Labor plans crackdown on social media algorithms as Taylor says he’s ‘deeply sceptical’Federal Communications Minister Anika Wells plans to introduce draft legislation creating a digital duty of care for social media users in Australia, which would include rules requiring social media platforms to allow users to turn off algorithms controlling their feeds. The plan aims to protect vulnerable users, including children, from being fed content that reinforces dangerous stereotypes and behaviors…The Guardian
• 6 Sep Government closes in on $100m social media finesThe Albanese government is proposing fines of over $100 million for social media companies that fail to keep under-16s off their sites, with a bill set to go before the Senate on Tuesday. The proposed legislation includes fines of up to $109.2 million and aims to give more power to eSafety Commission chief Julie Inman Grant to target social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Communications…Sydney Morning Herald

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