Australia considers new social media algorithm rules

• The Australian government is considering opt-in algorithm rules for tech platforms and bans on extreme online content.
• The proposed reforms expand on existing laws, including the social media ban for under-16s.
• The updates aim to reduce young users' exposure to harmful and misogynistic content.

Australia is evaluating new requirements for Meta (NASDAQ:META) and other social media giants to make recommendation algorithms opt-in to limit harmful content.

The proposal follows existing measures like the social media ban for under-16s and mandatory age verification for online pornography.

"We've got a Digital Duty of Care Bill coming up shortly, and the Communications Minister Anika Wells will be consulting on that," said Social Services Minister Tanya Plibersek.

The draft legislation will also examine the depiction of violence in adult material, alongside privacy risks linked to camera-equipped smart glasses.

The government stated that these measures aim to prevent algorithms from delivering violent material to young users within minutes of creating an account.

The broader Digital Duty of Care framework is designed to hold global technology firms accountable for product safety before releasing new features to the public.

Additionally, ministers are reviewing international regulatory precedents, including recent legal settlements and technical compliance requirements in the US and the UK.