OMM Newsroom
Australia introduced legislation on Thursday that would require social media platforms to let users switch off algorithm-driven recommendations, as part of a package of measures to strengthen online safety.
The Digital Duty of Care Bill 2026 would require technology companies to proactively prevent online harms instead of responding after they occur, according to a statement on Communications Minister Anika Wells’ official website.
Under the proposal, Australians aged over 16 could choose between having algorithmically recommended content as their main feed or seeing content from accounts they follow.
The bill would establish minimum safety standards for social media platforms, gaming services, applications and artificial intelligence chatbots. Platforms would also have to protect users under 18 from harmful content, including material promoting eating disorders, dangerous stunts, criminal behaviour and hostility towards women.
The legislation would give Australia’s eSafety Commissioner the power to remove AI-powered nudification services. It would also cut the deadline for responding to cyberbullying and online abuse complaints from 48 hours to 24 hours.
Companies that breach the requirements could face penalties of up to 109.2 million Australian dollars ($75 million). Professional news content and entertainment media would be exempt from the proposed provisions.
“The Digital Duty of Care is the next step in our world-leading online safety laws,” Wells said. The bill would set “basic safety standards” for digital services, she added, comparing them with standards for food, cars and children’s toys.
The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives and must pass both houses of Parliament, including the Senate, to become law.
The proposal follows Australia’s restrictions on social media access for children under 16, part of Canberra’s broader efforts to regulate digital platforms.
