Australians will be able to switch off social media algorithms under planned legislation
Monday, 7 September 2026
Warm-up
- How do social media algorithms shape what you watch or read online?
- When should a government step in to regulate tech companies?
- Would you choose a personalised feed or a simple time-ordered feed? Why?
Vocabulary
- algorithm
- A set of rules a platform uses to decide what content to show you.
- legislation
- A new law or set of laws created by a government.
- penalty
- A punishment, usually a fine, for breaking a rule or law.
- censorship
- Control that limits what people can read, watch or say.
- enforce
- To make sure a rule or law is followed.
- opt-in
- To choose actively to join or use a feature.
- harmful
- Likely to cause damage or negative effects.
- advocate
- A person who supports a cause and argues for change.
Reading
Australia plans new legislation that would let users switch off social media algorithms. Communications Minister Anika Wells says platforms like Meta, Google and TikTok should offer a clear choice, and face substantial penalties if they do not. The government is still taking expert advice on whether users must opt-in to algorithmic feeds or opt out of them. She says the digital duty of care laws would set basic safety standards for platforms.
Wells previously led a world-first ban on social media for under-16s, introduced last December. She admits no tech firm has been fined for failing to enforce that ban so far, even though many young users still access platforms.
Some opposition figures back the idea in principle, but Liberal leader Angus Taylor is highly sceptical. He warns the plan could amount to censorship and says the government should fix gaps in the under-16s ban first.
Consent advocate Chanel Contos urges an opt-in model and argues algorithms can push misogynistic content. The draft is expected within days and would also require platforms to limit harmful material, including illegal pornography and videos promoting disordered eating.
Comprehension
- What choice would platforms have to offer under the plan?
- Which companies are named as examples of platforms affected?
- Who is the minister leading the proposal, and who is sceptical?
- What criticism do some opponents raise about the proposal?
- What types of harmful content would platforms be asked to limit?
Grammar focus
Future perfect
Use will have + past participle to say an action will be finished before a future time. This shows completion before another future event. (Examples constructed.)
- Users **will have chosen** to opt out by the time the law arrives.
- Platforms **will have paid** fines if regulators found breaches.
Grammar exercise
Complete each sentence using the future perfect.
- By next year, users (switch) ___ off algorithmic feeds.
- By then, platforms (offer) ___ a clear opt-out choice.
- Before the law starts, ministers (take) ___ expert advice.
- Within months, platforms (limit) ___ harmful promotional videos.
- By the time it's debated, companies (prepare) ___ compliance plans.
Discussion
- Would you keep algorithms on or switch them off? Why?
- Should penalties for tech firms be substantial or moderate? Explain.
- Is an opt-in model better than opt-out for user control?
- Do age bans or feed controls protect teens more effectively?
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