Australia prepares draft legislation targeting social media content algorithms

The short version

• Australian Communications Minister Anika Wells is expected to release draft legislation establishing a digital duty of care for social media platforms.[The Guardian]
• The rules would allow users to disable content algorithms, enhance moderation of problematic material, and impose fines over $100 million for non-compliance.[The Guardian]
• Opposition leader Angus Taylor criticized the proposal over censorship concerns, meaning the bill will likely need Greens support to pass the Senate.[The Guardian]

Key facts

• The Australian federal government plans to release draft legislation establishing a digital duty of care for social media users.[The Guardian]
• The proposed rules under consideration would require major platforms to let users turn off recommendation algorithms.[The Guardian]
• Breaches under the proposal could carry penalties exceeding $100 million and expand oversight powers for researchers and the eSafety commissioner.[The Guardian]
• Opposition leader Angus Taylor expressed skepticism about the draft rules, stating concerns that the policy could serve to censor online speech.[The Guardian]
• Due to pushback from the Coalition and One Nation, the legislation will require backing from the Greens to secure passage in the Senate.[The Guardian]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.

• Labor plans crackdown on social media algorithms as Taylor says he’s ‘deeply sceptical’The Guardian - World