Australia fines platforms $109.2 million for ignoring the feed opt-out

Australia unveiled draft legislation on Tuesday that would enable users to turn off content-ranking algorithms on social media.

Platforms that contravene the new Digital Duty of Care could be fined up to $109.2 million.

“My Feed, My Way” gives the users the option to choose

The primary focus for users is an initiative the government has dubbed “My Feed, My Way.”

Under the draft, platforms will have to ask new and existing users to select how their default feed functions, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s office said.

If a user opts for the personalized option, the algorithm will continue to serve recommended content. If they say no, the feed will only show posts from the accounts the user follows.

Recurring pop-up messages afford users a choice. There is an option for an algorithmic feed, or only posts from people that users follow.

Ranking systems use browsing behavior, demographics, and location data.

“This is not about giving government control, it is about giving people control,” said Albanese in the release.

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