Australia Proposes 'My Feed, My Way' Law to Force Algorithm Opt-Outs

Key points

• The proposed 'My Feed, My Way' initiative mandates that platforms offer users aged 16 and older the choice to disable algorithmic recommendations, restricting their feed to content from followed accounts.
• Platforms failing to comply with the new digital duty of care laws face penalties of up to A$109.2 million (approximately $79 million USD).
• The legislation extends protections to under-18s by requiring AI chatbots and online games to mitigate addictive design features and harmful content, such as material promoting eating disorders or misogyny.
• Prime Minister Anthony Albanese framed the reform as a return of power to users, while Communications Minister Anika Wells criticized tech companies for conducting 'unregulated product testing' on Australians.
• The bill is expected to be introduced to Parliament before Christmas, though it faces opposition from the Liberal and National parties, who warn against government censorship.

Background

This development follows Australia’s 2025 ban on social media for users under 16, which resulted in the deactivation of over five million accounts but saw limited success in reducing usage rates. The new legislation is part of a broader global trend, including similar bans in the UK, France, and Spain, and follows Meta’s recent $18 billion settlement in the US regarding harms to young users.

How outlets are covering it

While all sources agree on the core legislative details, they differ in emphasis. CNBC highlights the financial penalties and the context of recent US lawsuits against Meta. The Guardian focuses on the political debate, noting that the Greens want stricter penalties based on global revenue, while the opposition warns of censorship. The New York Times emphasizes the failure of the previous age ban, noting that most teens remain active on platforms despite the restrictions. Albanese’s government views the law as empowering users, whereas critics like the Nationals view it as an overreach of government power.

Why it matters

This legislation represents a significant shift in regulatory approach, moving from age-based bans to user-choice mandates. It sets a potential precedent for other nations to regulate algorithmic curation, directly impacting how major tech companies design their recommendation systems and manage user engagement globally.

What to watch

The draft legislation is currently in a targeted consultation phase and is expected to be introduced to the Australian Parliament before Christmas. It will likely face a lengthy public inquiry and require support from the Greens to pass, given the opposition from the Liberal and National parties.