# Australia Wants to Let Users Turn Off Social Media Algorithms

> New legislation in Australia would force tech platforms to give users control over their feeds and curb addictive app features.
- Title: Australia Wants to Let Users Turn Off Social Media Algorithms
- Summary: New legislation in Australia would force tech platforms to give users control over their feeds and curb addictive app features. Australia's proposed laws aim…
- Keywords: social media, algorithms, australia, tech regulation, online safety, news, Wants, Let, Users, Turn, Social, Media
- Source: NPR — https://npr.org/2026/09/08/g-s1-142311/australian-social-media-users-to-be-offered-choice-to-opt-out-of-algorithms
- Published: 2026-09-08T00:00:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: social media, algorithms, australia, tech regulation, online safety, news
## Choice to opt out
Australia proposed laws requiring social media platforms to give users over the age of 16 the explicit power to opt out of algorithmic recommendations.

> We'll require social media platforms to provide user empowerment tools that give people over the age of 16 genuine and enduring choice about what they see in their feeds.
## Control over default feeds
Platforms will be mandated to notify users with a clear default option: opt into AI-curated personalized content, or restrict feeds to posts from friends and followed creators.
## Shielding kids from harm
The legislation mandates protections for minors against harmful content, including posts promoting eating disorders, hostile ideas about women, pornography, and dangerous stunts.
## Banning addictive app design
Online games, apps, and AI chatbots will also be required to eliminate addictive design mechanisms and features known to negatively impact kids' self-esteem.
## Massive fines for noncompliance
Tech companies failing to comply with the Digital Duty of Care legislation could face penalties reaching up to 109.2 million Australian dollars.

> If they don't follow our laws, they will face significant penalties.
## Key takeaway

Australia's proposed laws aim to dismantle algorithmic feeds by letting users switch to chronological posts while penalizing addictive app designs.