Australia has presented an important proposal regarding the use of social media, under which users will be given the authority to decide what type of content they want to see in their feeds.
According to the proposed law, social media platforms will have to clearly tell users how their default feed works and also give them the choice of whether they want to see content recommended by algorithms or not.
If a user chooses to turn off personalised recommendations, they will only be shown posts from the people and creators they personally follow.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says this is a practical reform aimed not at giving the government more control over social media users, but at giving users themselves greater control over their feeds.
The debate over social media platforms’ algorithms has intensified around the world. Experts and critics say such systems continuously analyse users’ interests and repeatedly show them content that may keep them engaged on the platform for a longer period.
Concerns have also been raised that this situation could lead to excessive use of social media and addiction to it.
Under Australia’s new proposal, companies will also have to keep records of the steps they have taken to protect users from potential harm and how effective those measures have been.
In the event of a violation of the law, social media companies could face fines of up to 109.2 million Australian dollars.
Australia’s internet regulator, eSafety, will oversee the implementation of the proposed law. It will also have the authority to direct major technology companies to immediately remove harmful, explicit and illegal content.
However, supporters of freedom of expression have expressed concerns that the law could impose excessive restrictions on social media and open the way for censorship.
Prime Minister Albanese has rejected these concerns, saying that the government’s aim is not to take control away from users but to give them more control over their feeds.
The draft of the proposed law will be presented to social media companies, industry bodies, civil society and other relevant stakeholders for consultation.
The Australian government expects to present the bill in parliament later this year.
If the law is approved, Australia will join those countries where social media users are being given greater authority to decide what appears on their screens and what does not.