Social Media Algorithm Opt-Out Plan Faces Major Political Hurdles

A social media crackdown that would force tech giants to offer an algorithm opt-out faces major hurdles after a key minor party dismissed proposed penalties as “bugger all.” An exposure draft of a much-anticipated “digital duty of care” is expected to be released in the coming sitting fortnight as Labor steps up efforts to tackle online harm.
Social Media Algorithm Opt-Out Plan Faces Major Political Hurdles

Proposed legislation for a “digital duty of care” aims to tackle online harm by requiring social media companies to mitigate risks and offer users an opt-out from algorithms. This would allow feeds to revert to chronological, friends-only content. However, the plan faces significant political challenges, with a minor party criticizing the proposed penalties as insufficient.

  • A new “digital duty of care” law is being drafted to address online harm.
  • Social media companies would be required to mitigate risks and remove harmful content.
  • Mandatory algorithm opt-out options would be introduced, allowing users to see friends-only content.
  • A key minor party has criticized the proposed penalties as inadequate.
  • The exposure draft is expected soon, but faces political hurdles.
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