Australia’s proposed ‘opt out’ law targets Big Tech algorithms

By AFP and AFP. Published On 7 Sep 20267 Sep 2026.

Key points

• Australia's opposition leader, Angus Taylor, informed the ABC that the Coalition had not seen the Labor government's bill.
• In December, Australia banned under-16s from accessing social media platforms as part of a world-first crackdown designed to protect children from online bullying and "predatory algorithms".
• Data last month discovered that Australian children were increasing their apply of social media apps, such as Instagram and TikTok, despite the ban.
• "A lot of Australians appreciate the algorithm, both for the enjoyment they get out of it or the utility they get out of it, " Anika Wells remarked.
• I fear that this is going to be an attempt by the administration to censor social media, but as I say, we haven't seen it.

Social media platforms could be forced to offer users in Australia an option to turn off "powerful" algorithms under draft laws to be unveiled by the administration this week, Communications Minister Anika Wells informed the ABC national broadcaster.

For context, the proposed legislation would require firms like Meta to undertake what the administration calls a digital duty of care as it steps up efforts to tackle online harm.

"A lot of Australians will want to choose the algorithm, but we think that Big Tech should offer them the choice in the first place, and they should respect that choice."

"I am deeply sceptical. I fear that this is going to be an attempt by the administration to censor social media, but as I say, we haven't seen it. Let's see what the administration comes forward with, " he stated on the ABC.

Social media firms have long faced scrutiny over their employ of allegedly addictive algorithms and stand accused of directing users to sensational or extreme content to keep them scrolling.

In December, Australia banned under-16s from accessing social media platforms as part of a world-first crackdown designed to protect children from online bullying and "predatory algorithms". The United Kingdom, France and others have since followed suit.

In short, australia's proposed 'opt out' law targets Big Tech algorithms is the central thread here, and readers can expect follow-up reporting as the picture becomes clearer.