Australian social media users to be offered choice to opt out of algorithms
Australia is moving to require social media platforms to notify users — both new and existing — and give them a choice to opt out of algorithmically curated feeds. The policy would make opting out a standard option rather than something users have to hunt for in settings.
Why this matters: Most people have no idea their feed is being shaped by an algorithm designed to keep them engaged, not informed. Australia is trying to make that a conscious choice instead of a default you never agreed to. That matters because the algorithm is not neutral — it decides what you see, what you miss, and how you feel about both. Making opt-out easy and visible is not a revolution, but it shifts some control back to the person scrolling.
Who should care: AI governance · Lawyers · Administrators · General readers · Policy · Privacy officers
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