Australia's draft law would require platforms to offer users over 16 a non-algorithmic feed option.
Why it matters: The proposal could force major platforms to change how they rank and recommend content by default. It also expands Australia's online safety rules beyond social media into other digital services, including messaging apps and AI chatbots.
- Australia released draft Digital Duty of Care laws on Sept. 8 in Canberra.
- The package, called My Feed, My Way, would let users over 16 choose between algorithmic feeds and posts from accounts they follow.
- The draft would also cover harmful design features for under-18s and extend to social media, online games, apps, AI chatbots, messaging platforms and other digital services.
- The government said penalties for noncompliance could reach A$109.2 million, with enforcement by the eSafety Commissioner.
Australia on Sept. 8 unveiled draft Digital Duty of Care legislation under a package called My Feed, My Way, according to the government’s official release. The proposal would require platforms to give users over 16 a choice between an algorithmic feed - a stream of posts ranked by software based on predicted interest - and content shown in the order accounts are followed.
The draft also says platforms would face duties to protect under-18s from harmful design features. The government cited endless scrolling as one example of the kind of design it wants restricted, framing the rule as a measure aimed at how services are built and presented, not just what content appears on them.
The proposal would reach beyond social media to online games, apps, AI chatbots, messaging platforms and other digital services, according to the government release. A related Reuters report said users would still be able to opt in to personalized algorithmic content if they want it, rather than having it applied by default.
Communications Minister Anika Wells said in remarks released by the government that the reform is about choice, not censorship. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said, "This is not about giving government control, it is about giving people control."
ABC reported that the bill is expected to place the burden on social media companies to identify and mitigate risks on their platforms and to prevent harmful content from being shared. The government said the draft is being released for targeted consultation and is intended to be introduced to parliament later in 2026.
Officials framed the proposal as part of Australia's broader online safety push, including a separate under-16 social media restriction law that has been passed but is still in the process of implementation.
By the numbers
- over 16 - users who would get the option to turn off algorithmic feeds
- A$109.2 million - maximum penalties the government says could apply for noncompliance
Yes, but: The government has only released draft legislation so far, so the proposal still needs consultation and parliamentary approval.
What's next: The draft will go through targeted consultation before the government seeks to introduce it to parliament later in 2026.