CANBERRA, Australia — The Australian government announced proposed legislation on Tuesday, giving social media users the option to opt out of algorithms. This move is designed to give users more control over their social media feeds.

We’ll require social media platforms to provide user empowerment tools that give people over the age of 16 genuine and enduring choice about what they see in their feeds, said Prime Minister Anthony Albanese during a press conference in Canberra.

The legislation also aims to protect children from harmful content. It targets content promoting eating disorders, negative views on women, pornography, dangerous stunts, and material that can cause serious mental health distress.

This initiative aligns with Australia’s previous efforts to ensure online safety. Last December, Australia implemented laws prohibiting children under 16 from opening accounts on major social media platforms including Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.

It gives users choice and it will hold the big tech companies responsible for inaction. If they don’t follow our laws, they will face significant penalties, Albanese added.

Under the proposed Digital Duty of Care legislation, platforms face penalties up to 109.2 million Australian dollars ($78.6 million) for non-compliance. Platforms must notify users, both new and existing, offering them options for their default feed. Users can opt to have personalized content recommended by algorithms or choose to see content from friends and creators they follow.

Digital services such as online games, apps, and AI chatbots must also protect children from negative impacts like addictive features or those affecting self-esteem.

In April, Australia’s online safety watchdog announced potential court action against major platforms including Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, and YouTube. The regulator claims these platforms aren’t adequately keeping children under 16 off their sites.