{"id":395790,"date":"2026-09-09T18:00:18","date_gmt":"2026-09-09T12:30:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/blog\/?p=395790"},"modified":"2026-09-09T18:09:48","modified_gmt":"2026-09-09T12:39:48","slug":"australia-draft-digital-duty-of-care-my-feed-my-way-initiative","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/blog\/post\/2026\/09\/09\/australia-draft-digital-duty-of-care-my-feed-my-way-initiative\/","title":{"rendered":"‘My Feed, My Way’: Australia Moves to Give Users Control Over Social Media Algorithms"},"content":{"rendered":"
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On 8 September 2026, the Albanese Government released a draft legislation for a new Digital Duty of Care<\/span> regime for targeted consultation.<\/p>\n

A key feature of the proposal is “My Feed, My Way.”<\/span> The draft laws would also enhance safeguards for children and expand the powers of the eSafety Commissioner to combat harmful online content.<\/p>\n

Highlighting the objectives of the proposal, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese<\/span> said:<\/p>\n

“This work has been led by parents and advocates and we have backed them. We will continue to do so.”<\/p>\n

“This is not about giving government control, it is about giving people control.” he added.<\/p>\n

Key Takeaways:<\/p>\n

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  1. \n

    The Albanese Government has released draft legislation for a Digital Duty of Care framework aimed at creating a safer online environment across digital services.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  2. \n

    The proposed laws would place the responsibility on digital service providers to meet minimum safety standards for the features and tools used on their platforms.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  3. \n

    The draft legislation introduces “My Feed, My Way,” an Australian-first initiative designed to give users greater control over their social media algorithms.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Explaining the proposed changes, Minister for Communications Anika Wells<\/span> said:<\/p>\n

    “When it comes to social media, Australians over the age of 16 will be able to opt in or opt out of the algorithm easily. The duty of care will require platforms to give users over 16 choice on what feed they see when they open the app — and to respect that choice.”<\/p>\n

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    1. \n

      Social media platforms would be required to notify both new and existing users<\/span> about choices available for their default content feeds.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

    2. \n

      Users will be able to opt in to receiving personalised content<\/span> recommended by platform algorithms.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

    3. \n

      They will also have the option to opt out of algorithmically recommended content<\/span> and instead view content from friends and creators they choose to follow.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

    4. \n

      The proposal seeks to provide Australians with greater control over their online experiences<\/span> and the content displayed on digital platforms.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      PM Albanese said:<\/p>\n

      “Australia is leading the world with our social media age ban and online safety approach.”<\/p>\n

      “Today we are releasing the government’s approach to give Australians choice over their online experience, “My Feed, My Way.”<\/p>\n

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      1. \n

        Digital services, including online games, apps and AI chatbots, will be required to protect individuals under 18 years of age<\/span> from design features that may have harmful behavioural effects, including addictive mechanisms or features affecting self-esteem.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

      2. \n

        Providers will be required to shield minors from harmful content, including:<\/p>\n