Social media users could opt out of the algorithm if Australian government has its way – but that’s a big if

I turned off my algorithm for 24 hours. Is this how social media used to be?

Thanks to a little-known feature in Instagram, I attempt to travel back to 2012, before everything on the internet was an ad Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast I have a confession. I love my social media algorithm. It is a perfectly curated window into my insane and inquiring mind. It knows precisely which videos will tickle me and which memes will gently distract me from the slow collapse of humankind. On Tuesday the Australian government announced “world-leading” refo

Sep 10, 2026

Australian social media users to be offered choice to opt out of algorithms

A government statement said on Tuesday social media platforms would be required to send a notification to new and existing users offering them a choice over their default feed.

Sep 8, 2026

Social media users could opt out of the algorithm if Australian government has its way – but that’s a big if

Even if the legislation passes, tech companies may still find ways to frustrate its intent and keep Australians hooked on their feed Social media could become a “choose your own adventure” between the doom-scrolling status quo, or just the feed of the friends you want to see, if the government’s planned digital duty of care legislation passes, and the tech companies don’t muck around on compliance. But that’s a big if. Continue reading...

Sep 8, 2026

Australia to force social media giants to allow users to opt out of algorithm

Draft legislation enforces digital duty of care including limiting children’s exposure to misogynistic and eating disorder content Australia will allow social media account holders to opt out of the powerful algorithms pushing dangerous and divisive content into users’ feeds, part of new laws designed to boost online safety. Users over 16 years of age will be given new tools to turn off algorithm-driven content, with platforms facing fines of more than $100m for non-compliance. Continue reading.

Sep 8, 2026

Government closes in on $100m social media fines

Opposition Leader Angus Taylor has reservations about freedom of speech and “enormous ministerial discretion around censorship on the internet”.

Sep 6, 2026