Australian Politics

"Users over 16 years of age will be given new tools to turn off algorithm-driven content, with platforms facing fines of more than A$100m for non-compliance.

Under the plan – dubbed “my feed, my way” – users opting out of the algorithm will see content only from individuals and groups they have actively chosen to follow...

New laws designed to provide a digital duty of care for social media users under 18 will also require services such as online games, apps and AI chatbots to protect children from specific harms.

They will include pornography; content that promotes, encourages or accelerates eating disorders; misogynistic content; content that glorifies crime or life-endangering stunts; and content that causes serious mental health distress, including abuse and bullying...

The Labor government will require the support of the Greens to advance the laws through parliament. The main opposition parties, the Liberals and Nationals, have flagged opposition, warning the government against efforts to censor the internet.

The legislation is expected to be introduced to parliament before Christmas, but will likely face a lengthy public inquiry and negotiations.

The Greens communications spokesperson, Sarah Hanson-Young, warned the draft legislation should have a lower threshold for harm, and penalties for platforms should be a percentage of their global revenue...

“Opt out is a recipe for big tech to manipulate and to get around it."