Australia proposes new social media regulations
A new bill has been prepared in Australia containing regulations that would allow social media users to decide whether they want to see algorithmically recommended content in their feeds.
The Australian Prime Minister’s Office issued a statement regarding the bill, which introduces new regulations on social media use, CE Report quotes Anadolu Agency.
According to the statement, the bill would allow social media users to choose whether personalized content recommended by algorithms is included in their feeds.
As part of the proposal, social media platforms would be required to send users a notification giving them the option to choose how their feeds are curated. Users who opt out of algorithmic recommendations would see only content from people and accounts they follow.
“This will give Australians more choice over the platforms they use and the content they see,” the statement said.
Under-18s to be protected from harmful content
According to the statement, the bill would also require digital services to protect people under 18 from design features that could negatively affect young people.
Under the proposal, digital services would be required to protect young users from content that encourages eating disorders and criminal behavior, as well as posts promoting hostile views toward women and gender equality.
Australia’s social media age restrictions
In Australia, legislation restricting access to social media platforms for people under 16 came into effect on December 10, 2025.
Under the legislation, 10 platforms, including X, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, YouTube and Snapchat, as well as Reddit, Twitch, Threads and Kick, are subject to the age restriction.
The Australian government aims to reduce the negative impact of algorithms and harmful content on children and young people through the law.
Companies that fail to take reasonable steps to remove accounts belonging to children under 16 could face fines of up to 49.5 million Australian dollars.
Photo: Chat GPT
