Safety & policy

Australia proposes social media algorithm off switch for feeds

Australia's Digital Duty of Care bill would force social media platforms to let users turn off recommended content, so they see only accounts they follow. Announced in September, the algorithm switch stops short of defaulting to off, as campaigner Chanel Contos had sought. Breaches could attract fines of up to A$100m, but the Trump administration and some Australian right-wing parties say the reforms threaten free speech. Meta, Snap, TikTok, X and Google have declined BBC requests for comment.

Why it matters: If you post or advertise on social media, fewer non-followers may see your content if users switch off recommendations. The rules aren't final, so watch how they settle.

Source: BBC Technology