Jump to contentAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleAustralia is preparing to introduce world-first legislation allowing 21 million social media users to opt out of Big Tech algorithms. The draft digital duty of care laws would enable users to choose feeds containing content solely from accounts they follow. The rules aim to protect users, particularly children, from illegal material and psycho-social harms including cyberbullying and body image issues. Social media companies that breach the proposed regulations could face fines of around A$100m ($72m). The Australian opposition has expressed scepticism over the plan, raising concerns that the measures could lead to government censorship. In fullAustralia to set out world-first rules allowing users to opt out of Big Tech algorithmsMore bulletinsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in

Social media firms face criticism over their use of allegedly addictive algorithms.

SYDNEY - Australians could be given the option of opting out of powerful social media algorithms under new legislation cracking down on big tech, a minister said on Monday.

Opposition is sceptical of new rules and their enforcement