Australia plans to introduce new law: Let users decide whether to accept recommendations from social media algorithms
The Australian government has proposed a new draft that requires social platforms to allow users to choose whether to turn off algorithm recommendations. Violators may be fined up to 109.2 million Australian dollars.
Quick Look
- On the 8th, the Australian government proposed a new social media bill, "My Updates, My Choice," which requires platforms to allow users to choose whether to turn off algorithm-recommended content and instead display only posts by people they are following.
- Violators face fines of up to 109.2 million Australian dollars, and the powers of the network security regulator eSafety will be expanded.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
The Australian government continues to strengthen its supervision of large technology companies, and has previously launched legislation and discussions on minors' use of social media and online safety.
The Australian government issued a new proposal on the 8th to further regulate social media. It plans to give Australian users the right to decide whether to accept content recommended by social media algorithms and no longer be guided by algorithms.
Reuters and Bloomberg reported on the 8th that the bill proposed by the Australian Labor Government requires social platforms to notify new and old users to let them choose the default presentation method of dynamic messages. Users can choose to agree to the default presentation of content recommended by algorithms, or they can choose to turn off this feature and only display posts from friends or creators they follow.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said that "this is a reasonable, pragmatic and feasible reform" that gives users the right to choose. If technology giants do not comply with Australian laws, they will be held accountable for their inaction.
Albanese pointed out that this measure, called "My Feed, My Way" (My Feed, My Way), also requires digital platforms to record what measures have been taken to deal with known risks that may harm Australian users, and to ensure that relevant measures continue to be effective. Violators may be fined up to 109.2 million Australian dollars (approximately NT$2.4 billion).
Meta, which owns platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp, declined to comment. Alphabet's Google, TikTok, Snap and other companies have yet to respond.
The new draft will also give Australia's online safety regulator eSafety more powers to require technology companies to quickly remove harmful, nudity or illegal content. The government will consult with the technology industry, civil society, etc. and expects to send the bill to Congress for review this year.
Free speech advocates warn the legislation could lead to censorship. "The point is not to give the government control, but to give the people control," Albanese said.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
The government will consult with the technology industry and civil society before sending the bill to Congress for review
Very likely · Within months
Open Questions
- How will tech giants specifically respond to this bill?
- When will the final version of the bill be submitted to Congress for consideration?
