Australia's new draft Digital Duty of Care legislation introduces a potential 'off switch' for social media algorithms, allowing users aged 16 and above to choose between algorithmically curated content or a chronological feed, marking a significant shift toward greater user control online.
- Draft law mandates platforms to address foreseeable online harms.
- Users 16+ can toggle off algorithmic recommendations for social media feeds.
- Experts warn the problem lies in algorithmic optimization, not algorithms themselves.
What happened
On September 8, 2026, the Australian government introduced an exposure draft for a Digital Duty of Care law targeting online service platforms. This legislation would require platforms to identify foreseeable risks of harm and implement reasonable measures to address these risks, particularly focusing on protecting children from serious online harms.
A prominent feature of the draft is the proposal termed 'My Feed, My Way,' which would enable users aged 16 and above to turn off algorithm-driven recommendations on social media platforms. Instead, users could opt to view posts only from accounts they follow, displayed chronologically or in reverse order. This initiative has dominated public discourse around the draft, reflecting governmental emphasis on giving users greater control over their online experiences.
Why it matters
This legislation represents a crucial step toward holding digital platforms accountable for their role in shaping online content and its impacts on users. By imposing a duty of care, the government seeks to shift platforms away from reactive responses toward proactive prevention of harm, particularly for minors who are vulnerable to abusive content and predatory behaviors online.
However, simplifying platforms’ challenges as merely algorithmic issues obscures the larger complexities. Algorithms are essential tools for managing vast content volumes and facilitating discovery, content moderation, advertising placement, and safety functions. The core issue lies in what these algorithms are designed to maximize—often engagement or advertising revenue—which can exacerbate harm. Thus, the proposed 'off switch' for algorithms addresses only a symptom, not the systemic incentives driving harmful outcomes.
What to watch next
Stakeholders will closely observe how the Digital Duty of Care legislation evolves through consultations and potential amendments, particularly how 'user empowerment tools' will be defined and implemented. The feasibility and impact of enabling users to disable algorithmic recommendation systems on major social platforms remain key questions.
Global digital policy experts will weigh Australia’s approach against international regulatory trends, as the balance between user agency, platform responsibility, and algorithmic transparency continues to be a focal point. The law's effectiveness in reducing online harms without compromising content discoverability or platform functionality will be critical to its acceptance and adaptation worldwide.