Digital Duty Care: Australia Proposes Greater User Control Measures

This is under the government’s “My Feed, My Way” initiative.

The Australian government is proposing new digital regulations that would give users, greater control over how social media platforms determine the content displayed on their feeds. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, has introduced draft legislation establishing a Digital Duty of Care, including measures under the government’s “My Feed, My Way” initiative.

Under the proposals, social media platforms would be required to provide users with tools to opt out of algorithmically recommended content, and have greater choice over how their feeds are curated. The government says the measures are aimed at giving Australians more control over their online experiences, and increasing transparency around the way platforms use algorithms to recommend content.

The proposals, however, raise broader questions about the balance between user choice platform responsibility, and government oversight in the rapidly evolving digital space.