Anthony Albanese Proposes New Laws Giving Australian Social Media Users Choice Over Algorithms

The Australian government announced a proposal to require social media platforms to provide users over the age of 16 with a choice between algorithm-recommended content and a reverse chronological feed of the pages they follow. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated that the legislation aims to provide users with more control and hold big tech companies responsible for inaction, with potential penalties of up to 109.2 million Australian dollars. Instagram's chief executive, Adam Mosseri, noted that while the option for a chronological feed already exists, user awareness of the feature is currently low. Adam Mosseri observed that the average user experience is often worse on a chronological feed because it can become overwhelmed by content from brands and companies who post more frequently. He also stated that the platform is not clinically addictive, though he acknowledged the "black box" nature of algorithms and the goal of providing more transparency and agency to users.

Sources

• NPR
  Australian social media users to be offered choice to opt out of algorithms
• The Guardian
  Instagram boss says users will be ‘overwhelmed’ with brand content in algorithm-free world
• ABC News & Headlines – Australian Broadcasting Corporation
  Instagram boss warns users will be 'overwhelmed' without algorithm

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Paywall and unreadable sources

• The New York Times
  Australian Social Media Users Could Get Power to Switch Off Algorithms
• Reuters
  Australia sees no threat to US ties after White House criticism of social media reforms