• Australians may soon have the option to opt out of social media algorithms.
• The draft law emphasizes a "digital duty of care" for technology firms.
• Penalties could apply for firms that do not comply with the new regulations.
• Opposition voices skepticism, fearing potential censorship implications.
• Similar bans on social media for children were enacted earlier in Australia.

A proposed law in Australia could allow users to opt out of social media algorithms, according to Communications Minister Anika Wells. This draft legislation, expected to be introduced in parliament this week, aims to impose a "digital duty of care" on major tech companies like Meta. Wells noted, "A lot of Australians will want to choose the algorithm – but we think that big tech should offer them the choice in the first place, and they should respect that choice,” underscoring the intention to enhance user autonomy over their digital feeds, as reported by Bangkok Post and South China Morning Post.

The proposed legislation not only provides users with the option to turn off algorithms but also holds social media companies accountable for "harmful content." Should firms like Google and TikTok fail to comply, they could face penalties exceeding A$100 million (US$72 million) for directing users to dangerous content through algorithmic recommendations. Wells emphasized that this legislation aims to implement basic safety protections within an industry lacking regulatory oversight, as detailed by BBC and South China Morning Post.