Australia introduces digital safety bill allowing users to switch off social media algorithms

Proposed law to give users greater control over feeds, impose safety obligations on tech companies, introduce fines

Australia introduced legislation Thursday requiring social media platforms to let users switch off algorithm-driven recommendations, as part of sweeping measures aimed at strengthening online safety.

The Digital Duty of Care Bill 2026 would require technology companies to proactively prevent online harms rather than respond after they occur.

According to a statement published on Communications Minister Anika Wells’ official website, Australians aged over 16 would be able to choose between algorithmically recommended content as their primary feed or accounts they follow.

The proposed law would establish minimum safety standards for social media platforms, gaming services, applications and artificial intelligence chatbots.

Platforms would also be required to protect users under 18 from harmful content, including material promoting eating disorders, dangerous stunts, criminal behaviour and hostility toward women.

Read: Under new regulations, Turkiye bans children under 15 from social media

The legislation would empower Australia's eSafety Commissioner to remove AI-powered nudification services and reduce response deadlines for cyberbullying and online abuse complaints from 48 to 24 hours.

Companies violating the requirements could face penalties of up to 109.2 million Australian dollars (75 million US dollars).

Professional news content and entertainment media would be exempt from the proposed provisions.

"The Digital Duty of Care is the next step in our world-leading online safety laws," Wells said.

Read more: The surrender to algorithmic control

"It will set basic safety standards for the digital services we use every day, just as we have for food, cars and kids’ toys," she added.

The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives and must pass both houses of Parliament, including the Senate, before becoming law.

The proposal follows Australia's landmark restrictions on social media access for children under 16, part of Canberra's broader efforts to regulate digital platforms.