Australia to let users switch off social media algorithms

Australia in the latest push to regulate the digital landscape has proposed an “off switch” option for social media users to improve online safety for youngsters. 

Under the proposed plan presented by the centre-left Labour government, social media platforms will be required to notify the users and give them the choice to set or arrange their feed like what content they want to consume and see over their default feed.

The users also opt for personalized content recommended by an algorithm. If one wants to opt out of algorithmically recommended content, they easily can and only see posts from the friends and creators they follow.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese hailed this plan, stating, "This is sensible, pragmatic, practical reform. It gives ​users choice and it will hold the big tech companies responsible for inaction if they don't ​follow our laws."

Under the proposed "My Feed, My Way" initiative outlined by Albanese, digital platforms would need to document how they mitigate harm to Australian users and maintain the ongoing effectiveness of those safeguards.

Australia's internet regulator, eSafety, would supervise enforcement, with non-compliance penalties reaching up to A$109.2 million ($79 million).

In addition to imposing fines, eSafety will be empowered to issue notices which make the big techs obliged to remove harmful, illegal and nudity-related content.

"It's not about giving the government control. It's ⁠about giving ​people control," Albanese said.

The government will also be engaged by seeking feedback from digital platforms industry bodies, civil society organisations and advocates on the draft legislation.

The bill is expected to be introduced to Parliament this year.

The moves comes as the social media platforms have been under fire due to their addictive designs and features which keep the young users hooked, making them susceptible to online abuse.

However, social media platforms have not yet responded to this plan.