Instagram’s CEO has warned that removing algorithmic feeds could degrade user experience, pushing more brand content and reducing engagement. The platform acknowledges its recommendation system feels opaque but says it is working to give users greater control. Meanwhile, Australia’s government is set to propose legislation forcing social media companies to let users opt out of algorithm-driven feeds, instead offering a chronological feed of followed accounts. The move is part of broader plans to tackle online harm, raising questions about how platforms will balance personalization with regulatory demands.
Adam Mosseri says platform’s algorithm ‘feels like a black box’ but company trying to give users more control after Labor announces opt-out planFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our new political email, free app or daily news podcastInstagram’s chief executive has said users will have a worse experience in an algorithm-free world, seeing more brand-related content, and spend less time on the app.The comments come as the Australian government plans to give users the option to opt out of algorithms, with the prime minister, Anthony Albanese, announcing plans on Tuesday to require social media platforms to prompt users to choose between a feed of algorithm-recommended content or a reverse chronological feed of the pages users follow. Labor also plans to introduce a range of measures designed to address online harm on the sites. Continue reading...
