Australians over 16 would get right to opt out of social media algorithms under draft law

The Albanese government has released exposure draft legislation — the Online Safety Amendment (Digital Duty of Care) Bill 2026 — requiring social media platforms, search engines and AI chatbots to offer users over 16 a choice to ditch algorithmic feeds for chronological ones. Communications minister Anika Wells says users could swap freely. Breaches of the broader duty of care could cost platforms up to A$109.2 million.