Australians could soon have more control over what appears in their social media feeds under proposed rules requiring platforms to let users choose whether they want algorithmically recommended content.
The Australian government unveiled the “My Feed, My Way” initiative as part of its proposed Digital Duty of Care legislation. Under the plan, social media companies would have to notify both new and existing users about their feed options.
People over 16 could choose a personalized feed containing posts and videos selected by a platform’s recommendation algorithm. Alternatively, they could opt out and use a feed based on content from friends and creators they have chosen to follow.
Importantly, the proposal does not require Australians to stop using algorithmic feeds. Users would be given the choice, and platforms would be expected to respect their selected preference.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the measure as a way to put control over social media feeds back into users’ hands rather than giving the government control over what people see.
The algorithm rules form part of a broader effort to introduce a duty of care for digital services operating in Australia. Providers would be required to identify potential risks to users and take measures to reduce foreseeable harm.
The proposed protections would extend beyond conventional social networks. Online games, apps, messaging services and AI chatbots could also face obligations aimed at protecting children from harmful content and potentially damaging design features.
Australia’s eSafety regulator would oversee compliance with the new requirements. Companies that fail to meet their obligations could face penalties of up to A$109.2 million.
The proposal follows Australia’s introduction of restrictions preventing children under 16 from holding accounts on major social media platforms. The government is now turning more attention toward how platforms themselves are designed and how content is recommended to their users.
Algorithmic recommendation systems play a major role in deciding what users encounter online. Australia’s eSafety Commissioner has warned that these systems can amplify or compound online harms depending on how they are designed and how platforms prioritize engagement.
The government’s approach is not yet law. The draft Digital Duty of Care legislation has been released for targeted consultation, with digital platforms, industry groups, civil society organizations and other stakeholders expected to provide feedback.
The government intends to introduce the legislation to Parliament later in 2026. Until it passes the parliamentary process, Australians’ proposed right to choose between personalized recommendations and content from accounts they follow remains a planned regulatory change rather than an existing requirement.