Albanese confirms Australians will be able to choose 'following feed' over algorithms under new laws

The government has confirmed that Australians will be given the choice to opt out of algorithmic content curation in favour of a simpler 'following feed' — a chronological display of posts from accounts they follow. The measure forms part of a broader digital duty of care framework to be introduced in parliament.

Communications Minister Anika Wells, who last year steered the government's world-first social media ban for under-16s, said the legislation would ensure "some basic safety protections on an industry that hasn't had to observe it".

"We want to give Australians more choice over what they see on their social media feeds," Wells told the ABC on Monday. "We know that a lot of Australians appreciate the algorithm both for the enjoyment they get out of it or the utility that they get out of it… But we think that big tech should offer them the choice in the first place and they should respect that choice."

Wells said the government would take "expert advice" on whether users would have to opt in or out of the algorithms. The government is again moving to legislate before the specifics are fully settled, as it did with the under-16 ban.

Opposition leader Angus Taylor has expressed "highly sceptical" views, warning the move could amount to censorship. No tech firm has yet been fined for failing to enforce the under-16 ban, despite research showing that the vast majority of young people who were on platforms before the ban remain active.

Why This Matters

If enacted, the law would give Australian users unprecedented control over their social media experience, potentially reducing exposure to algorithmically amplified harmful content.
The legislation follows a global trend of increased scrutiny on algorithmic recommendation systems, which have been linked to misinformation, polarisation and youth mental health issues.
The government's approach — legislating before settling details — risks implementation challenges, as seen with the under-16 ban where fines have yet to be issued.

Background

Australia has been a testing ground for social media regulation, last year passing a world-first ban on under-16s accessing platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat. That ban has faced criticism over enforcement and privacy concerns. The new digital duty of care proposal extends the government's focus from age-based restrictions to the design of the platforms themselves, targeting the algorithms that decide what content users see.

Key Perspectives

Government: Argues the legislation gives consumers choice and imposes basic safety standards on an industry that has operated with minimal oversight. Minister Wells has said "big tech is not a protected species." Tech firms: Companies such as Meta, Google, and TikTok have not yet publicly responded to the specific proposal. They have historically resisted mandatory algorithm changes, arguing they would reduce user engagement and advertising revenue. Opposition and critics: Liberal leader Angus Taylor has expressed scepticism, framing the move as potential censorship. Some free-speech advocates may also raise concerns about government-mandated feed design.

What to Watch

Whether the government opts for an opt-in or opt-out model — the choice will significantly affect how many users actually switch.
The level of penalties and whether the government will actually impose them, given no fines have been issued under the under-16 ban.
How major platforms respond, including any legal challenges or industry campaigns against the legislation.

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