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Mon, 07 Sep 2026

Mon, 07 Sep 2026 Australians will be able to switch off social media algorithms under planned legislation

Firms like Meta, Google and TikTok should face "substantial" penalties if they don't give the option, minister says.

* Communications Minister Anika Wells says tech firms should offer option to turn off algorithms
* If companies don't comply, they could face "substantial" penalties
* Opposition leader Angus Taylor criticises the proposal as a form of censorship
* Government will take expert advice on whether users should opt in or out of algorithm-driven content
* Legislation aims to give Australians more choice over their social media feeds and ensure basic safety standards are met
* Draft bill also expected to address sharing of harmful content, such as illegal pornography and videos promoting disordered eating.