Toxic algorithms wouldn't let them go - now Australia wants an off switch

Australia proposes new laws to crack down on big tech, including an algorithm switch to let users turn off recommended content.

The full report

The Australian government has introduced a new suite of laws to parliament, aimed at cracking down on big tech. The centrepiece of their proposed reforms is an algorithm switch that would force social media platforms to let users turn off recommended content.

The idea is that users would only see posts from accounts they follow, rather than being served content based on their online activity. This is not the first government to try this, but existing algorithm controls are often transient and come with trade-offs in app functionality.

Australia has set out to make its legislation tighter to stop this. The new laws would also impose a legal duty of care on online services, with the aim of helping Australians become happier and healthier.

However, critics are concerned that Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's government has bitten off more than it can chew in its fight with big tech. Others, including the Trump administration, say the reforms threaten free speech.

Varsha Yajman, a 24-year-old who has recovered from anorexia, says she is still served weight loss content on social media despite having every safety setting turned on and an exhaustive list of banned words.

Yajman's experience is not unique, with many people reporting that they are served content that can be damaging to their mental health, even when they have taken steps to avoid it.