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The United States has criticised Australia’s proposal to give users the option to turn off social media algorithms, saying the measure could amount to “censorship of protected speech”.
Under Australia’s draft digital duty-of-care laws, technology companies could face substantial fines if they fail to let users opt out of algorithm-driven content recommendations designed to protect them from harmful material.
In a submission to the proposed legislation, the US embassy in Canberra said it had “serious concerns” about the plan. It warned that allowing authorities to enforce vague definitions of “harm” could lead to “viewpoint-based censorship”, according to the BBC.
US raises concerns over definitions of harm
Washington urged Australia to clarify how “harm” and “risks” would be determined, saying the definitions should not encroach on protected speech.
The US also said the rules could reduce the reach of independent journalists and other voices addressing sensitive or controversial issues if technology companies were required to demote their content in advance.
It added that an opt-out requirement could lead regulators to impose rigid, uniform platform-design rules on technology companies, potentially affecting users outside Australia.
“Mandated platform design features, especially when applied to algorithms, may affect what users see, say, and hear not just in or from Australia, but globally,” the US submission said.
Albanese says users would regain control
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese rejected the suggestion that the legislation would give the government excessive control over online platforms.
Speaking to journalists in New York during his visit to the United States, Albanese said the proposal was aimed at giving individuals greater control over the content they receive on their devices.
“It’s not about giving government control,” he said. “It’s about giving people back control over what they receive on their devices.”
The US embassy also called on Australia to address concerns that the “biases and preferences” of government officials could disadvantage independent or minority viewpoints. It warned that the legislation could damage Australia’s reputation as a jurisdiction that supports innovation.
Debate follows Australia’s under-16 social media ban
The dispute comes as Albanese visits the US to speak at the United Nations General Assembly about his government’s technology policies.
US President Donald Trump used his UN speech to downplay concerns about artificial intelligence, opposing proposals for safeguards and suggesting that it should instead be called “super intelligence”.
Australia’s planned algorithm rules follow the country’s introduction of a social media ban for children under 16 in December last year.
