Australia's 'My Feed, My Way' Bill Sparks US Pushback and Big Tech Fines

Key points

• The proposed law mandates that platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook offer users a non-algorithmic feed option, showing only content from connections they follow.
• The 'digital duty of care' framework requires platforms to protect children from content promoting eating disorders, misogyny, pornography, and dangerous stunts.
• Penalties for non-compliance are set at up to AU$109.2 million, though the Greens party has called for fines tied to global revenue.
• The US administration, via spokesperson Kush Desai, warned Australia against imposing 'extortion' on US tech firms, a claim Australian Communications Minister Anika Wells dismissed as broad.
• The legislation also targets AI chatbots and online games, requiring them to mitigate addictive design features for under-18s.

Background

This proposal builds on Australia's December 2025 ban on social media accounts for under-16s, which led to the deactivation of over five million accounts but failed to significantly reduce teen usage, with 81% of children still accessing restricted platforms three months later. It also follows Meta's $18 billion settlement in August 2026 with US states over social media harms, which included commitments to make similar feed changes for minors.

How outlets are covering it

AP News and CNBC emphasize the user-centric nature of the 'My Feed, My Way' initiative, framing it as a return of control to Australians. The New York Times highlights the failure of the previous under-16 ban, noting that most teens remain active on platforms. The Guardian focuses on the geopolitical tension, detailing the US administration's threat and the domestic debate over whether fines are sufficient, with the Greens demanding revenue-based penalties and conservatives warning of potential censorship of political speech.

Why it matters

This legislation represents a significant shift in global digital governance, moving from age-based bans to user-choice models. It could set a precedent for other nations facing similar challenges with algorithmic curation and youth safety, while testing the limits of international regulatory cooperation between the US and Australia.

What to watch

The bill is currently in a targeted consultation phase and is expected to be introduced to the Australian Parliament later in 2026. The outcome will depend on whether the government increases fines to satisfy the Greens and how the US administration escalates its trade concerns. Big Tech companies, including Meta, Google, and TikTok, are expected to lobby against the definitions of 'harmful content' and the impact on user experience.