New laws proposed in Australia would require social media platforms to implement a "digital duty of care," giving users over 16 the option to disable algorithm-driven feeds that may expose them to harmful content, including misogynistic material and eating disorder triggers. The legislation aims to enhance online safety by holding platforms accountable, with potential penalties exceeding A$100 million for failing to comply. Users would gain greater control over personalized content recommendations, addressing concerns over algorithmic amplification of divisive or dangerous material. The move reflects growing regulatory pressure on tech companies to mitigate risks associated with unchecked digital content distribution.
Draft legislation enforces digital duty of care including limiting children’s exposure to misogynistic and eating disorder contentAustralia will allow social media account holders to opt out of the powerful algorithms pushing dangerous and divisive content into users’ feeds, part of new laws designed to boost online safety.Users over 16 years of age will be given new tools to turn off algorithm-driven content, with platforms facing fines of more than A$100m for non-compliance. Continue reading...
