Australia Proposes New Laws for Social Media User Control

Australia is set to introduce new legislation that will allow users to opt out of social media algorithms, giving them more control over their online experience. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced that these laws will also protect minors from harmful content. The proposed regulations aim to hold tech companies accountable for the impact of their platforms on users. With significant fines for non-compliance, the government is taking a strong stance on digital safety. This initiative follows previous legislation banning social media access for children under 16. Discover how these changes could reshape the social media landscape in Australia.

By Narendra Chaudhary Sep 8, 2026, 12:29 IST

New Legislation for Social Media in Australia

File image of Australian PM Anthony Albanese(Photo: IANS)

Canberra, Sep 8: Australians will soon have the option to disengage from content algorithms on social media platforms, as announced by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Tuesday.

During a press briefing at Parliament House, Albanese explained that the proposed digital duty of care laws would mandate social media companies to allow users to opt out of algorithms, enabling them to view only content from accounts they follow.

Furthermore, Albanese and Communications Minister Anika Wells indicated that these laws would also require platforms to shield users under 18 from harmful content, including material that promotes eating disorders, misogyny, and crime glorification, as reported by Xinhua News Agency.

Social media platforms that fail to comply with these new regulations could face penalties of up to 100 million Australian dollars (approximately 72.1 million US dollars).

Albanese emphasized, "This initiative is about empowering individuals. It aims to restore choice for Australians in the digital space."

Wells characterized the proposed legislation as a significant step towards holding technology firms accountable for the negative impacts of their platforms.

She stated, "For far too long, tech companies have conducted unregulated product testing on Australians, with their platforms affecting our daily lives in unprecedented ways."

Wells added, "A global reckoning for big tech is on the horizon."

According to Wells, Australians aged 16 and older will have the ability to easily opt in or out of algorithms. The duty of care will ensure that platforms respect users' choices regarding their feeds when they access the app.

"The digital duty of care will compel online service providers, including some of the world's most influential companies, to enhance efforts to protect Australians from harm on their platforms," she noted.

This announcement follows the Labor Party government's legislation in 2024, which introduced a pioneering social media ban for children under 16, effective from December 2025.

In June, Albanese and Wells revealed plans to increase the maximum fine for violations of the minimum age law to 99 million Australian dollars.