According to The Express Tribune, Australia on Thursday introduced legislation that would require social media platforms to let users switch off algorithm-driven recommendations, as part of a broader push to strengthen online safety.
The Digital Duty of Care Bill 2026 would require tech companies to prevent online harms proactively rather than react after the fact. A statement on Communications Minister Anika Wells' website said Australians over 16 would be able to choose between an algorithmically recommended feed and one made up of accounts they follow.
The bill would set minimum safety standards for social media, gaming services, apps and AI chatbots, and require platforms to shield under-18s from content promoting eating disorders, dangerous stunts, criminal behaviour and hostility toward women. It would let the eSafety Commissioner remove AI nudification services and cut the response deadline for cyberbullying complaints from 48 to 24 hours.
Companies that breach the rules could face fines of up to A$109.2 million (about US$75 million), while professional news and entertainment content would be exempt. The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives and must pass both houses, including the Senate, to become law. It follows Australia's restrictions on social media use by children under 16. More on The Express Tribune.