Australia proposes giving users the option to choose their social media feeds

The Australian government is preparing to give social media users the power to decide what kind of posts they want to see in their feed. According to the proposed law, users will be given the right to choose between personalized algorithmic suggestions and posts only from people and creators they follow.

Under the new rules, social media platforms will be required to inform users about their current default feed system and provide them with an alternative choice. If users want to continue to see content recommended by the algorithm, while if they choose the second option, their feed will be limited to posts from accounts they follow themselves.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has described the proposed measure as a practical reform, saying that it aims to give more power to users and hold big tech companies responsible for complying with the rules. According to him, it is an attempt to give control to users rather than giving control to the government.

The proposed law will also impose another responsibility on social media companies. They will have to keep records of what steps they have taken to protect Australian users from potential harm and how effective those steps have been.

Companies could face fines of up to A$109.2 million if they breach the law. Australia’s internet regulator, eSafety, will oversee the implementation of the law and will have the power to order big tech companies to immediately remove harmful, obscene and illegal content.

The proposed system is being described as similar to the European Union’s Digital Services Act, where users are given the option to turn off their profiling. Social media algorithms have also come under increasing criticism around the world, with concerns that such systems could keep users on platforms for longer and lead to habituation.

However, freedom of expression advocates have expressed concerns that the new powers could open the door to censorship. The government will submit the draft law to social media companies, industry bodies, civil society and other relevant stakeholders for consultation. The bill is expected to be introduced in Parliament this year.