Australia vows to hold big tech companies to account on social media — with $78.6 million fines
Australian social media users would be given a choice to opt out of algorithms under proposed laws announced by the government Tuesday that would let users have more control over what they see on their social media feeds.
TL;DR
- Australia plans new laws giving users aged 16+ the choice to opt out of algorithmic social media feeds.
- Users can opt for a feed showing content from friends and creators they follow, or personalized algorithmic content.
- The proposed legislation aims to protect children from harmful content (e.g., eating disorders, pornography, hate speech) and negative behavioral impacts.
- Non-compliant social media platforms could face penalties up to AUD 109.2 million ($78.6 million).
- This follows Australia's December laws banning social media accounts for children under 16.