--- title: "Social Media Algorithms Targeted in Australian Reforms" url: https://noti.group/social-media-algorithms-targeted-in-australian-reforms/ language: en publisher: "Noti Group" section: "Technology" published: 2026-10-16T18:11:29.000Z updated: 2026-10-17T02:07:06.506Z id: bc1f054e-97a8-4a86-8567-8d4f68544aa7 source: "BBC News Technology https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cwr7y8er1n8vo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss" attribution: "Link to https://noti.group/social-media-algorithms-targeted-in-australian-reforms/ and name Noti Group when you quote or summarize this story." --- # Social Media Algorithms Targeted in Australian Reforms The Australian government has proposed new laws aimed at protecting vulnerable users from the toxic effects of social media algorithms, which would include an algorithm switch that allows users to turn off recommended content. A 24-year-old woman who overcame an eating disorder says she's still bombarded with weight loss content on social media despite having all safety settings enabled and a long list of banned words. Varsha Yajman, now in recovery from anorexia, recounts how as a teenager she was drawn into a world of unrealistic expectations on social media. Endless videos promising unattainable fitness goals flooded her feeds, while users competed with each other by sharing their weight and hospitalization records. She remembers spending hours watching strangers document their daily food intake online, which led to her developing an unhealthy obsession with monitoring what she ate herself. I would find myself thinking I didn't need to eat if I could just watch others do it, Varsha says. This pattern of behavior is eerily familiar to many young people who struggle with body image issues and eating disorders. As a result, the Australian government has proposed a new set of laws aimed at protecting vulnerable users from the toxic effects of social media algorithms. The centrepiece of these reforms is an algorithm switch that would allow users to turn off recommended content. This means they would only see posts from accounts they follow, rather than being constantly bombarded with curated material designed to keep them engaged for as long as possible. The proposed legislation is a significant step towards making social media companies more accountable for the harm their algorithms can cause. However, critics argue that existing algorithm controls are often ineffective and come with trade-offs in app functionality. Australia's new laws would also impose a legal duty of care on online services, which would require them to prioritize user well-being above profits. The government hopes this will help Australians become happier and healthier by reducing their exposure to toxic content. The proposed reforms in Australia have sparked debate about their feasibility and potential impact on free speech. Critics of the government's plan argue that it is overly ambitious and may not be able to effectively regulate the complex algorithms used by social media platforms. Some experts warn that trying to intervene directly in the workings of these algorithms could lead to unintended consequences, such as limiting access to certain types of content or hindering innovation. Flynn Martin's experience with social media algorithms serves as a cautionary tale about the potential dangers of being sucked into an echo chamber. The 20-year-old was overwhelmed by misogynistic and extremist content on his feeds, which exploited his insecurities and vulnerability during a difficult time in his life. He eventually became embroiled in online controversies that went viral in Australia, including a rant about being a straight white male and criticism of someone's frozen yoghurt order. Flynn acknowledges that social media alone was not the sole cause of his problems but believes it played a significant role in exacerbating them. Research has been shedding light on the darker side of social media, revealing its potential to trigger brain responses similar to those experienced by individuals struggling with addiction. Studies have shown that algorithms, often operating behind the scenes, serve up content that can be detrimental to users' mental health. Furthermore, these platforms have been accused of spreading disinformation and exacerbating polarization, leading to offline violence. The notion that tech companies are aware of these issues but choose to overlook them in pursuit of increased user engagement and profits has been a recurring theme in court cases and whistleblower testimonies. Critics argue that by prioritizing user engagement over well-being, social media platforms create an environment where outrageous or emotionally charged content is promoted, encouraging users to continue scrolling. Activist Chanel Contos, who helped reform sexual consent education standards in Australia, has taken a stand against these practices. While studying the topic at university, she conceived of a campaign aimed at giving users more control over their social media experience. Contos's "Fix Our Feeds initiative called for default-off algorithms and the option to opt into personalized content recommendations. The campaign gained significant traction, attracting over 15,000 signatures and endorsements from influential figures in Australian politics and beyond. The government has taken notice of Contos's efforts, announcing plans to introduce an algorithm switch, albeit one that would allow users to choose whether to enable personalized content recommendations rather than defaulting to off. The proposed Digital Duty of Care bill has sparked debate about online safety, particularly regarding children's exposure to harmful content on social media platforms. The government's policy aims to create a safer online environment by requiring online services to protect users from harmful material and design features that could cause physical or psychological harm. This includes blocking access to explicit content such as pornography and restricting material promoting eating disorders or sexist attitudes. In addition, the bill would also shield adults from seriously harmful" material and conduct. However, a narrower list of illegal content is defined for adult protection, indicating a distinction between what is considered acceptable for minors versus adults. Communications Minister Anika Wells emphasized that the digital duty of care addresses concerns related to social media's minimum age law by applying a broader scope to all online services. This shift in responsibility would place the burden on big tech operators rather than victims. The response from major technology companies has been muted, with Meta, Snap, TikTok, X, and Google declining to comment on the legislation. No public statements have been made regarding the bill's potential impact on their business models or user experiences. Instagram's Adam Mosseri recently suggested that non-algorithmic feeds would lead to users seeing fewer posts from friends, implying a trade-off between algorithm-driven content curation and social interactions. He also disputed claims of addiction, citing a distinction between casual use and clinical addiction. Right-wing parties in Australia have expressed concerns about the algorithms proposal and the broader bill, arguing that they could result in over-moderation and censorship. The proposed algorithms control in Australia has sparked debate among lawmakers and experts about its feasibility and effectiveness. Defenders of the law argue that it will not restrict users' freedom to follow who they want or share their opinions online. According to proponents, adults can still engage with content from various sources without restriction, such as listening to podcasts or sharing memes. This stance suggests that the proposed policy aims to strike a balance between promoting online safety and preserving individual freedoms. Despite concerns about over-moderation and censorship, the public and online safety experts seem more receptive to the algorithms control proposal than Australia's social media ban for children. However, there are questions about how Australia will implement this policy given its struggles with enforcing the social media ban for minors. Surveys indicate that many children who were on social media before the ban still have active accounts, and no fines have been issued so far. The EU's experience in 2023 serves as a cautionary tale, where platforms rolled out following-only feeds in response to algorithm controls but saw low take-up of safety features by users. Experts point out that social media firms often implement required changes in a way that is clunky and inconvenient for users, making them stick with the default algorithmic experience. Contos' campaign has gained momentum, leading her to take it to a global scale. She believes that countries like Canada, Australia, and the UK share similar concerns about online safety. If these nations implement algorithmic changes, it could create a critical mass effect, prompting other countries to follow suit. Flynn and Varsha, two young women who have been vocal about their struggles with social media algorithms, are cautiously optimistic about the Digital Duty of Care bill in Australia. However, Varsha is skeptical that Australia can effectively counterbalance the influence of big tech companies. Flynn also expressed concerns about the feasibility of the algorithm switch. A recent poll revealed that nearly two-thirds of Gen-Z Australians would keep their social media algorithms intact, despite being offered an off-switch option. Conversely, almost half of all Australians surveyed preferred to turn off their algorithms. This mixed response highlights the complexity of implementing change in this area. Varsha acknowledges that she is unlikely to use the algorithm switch herself but appreciates having the choice as a safety net. She feels reassured knowing that on bad days, when she's more susceptible to online manipulation, she can opt out of the algorithmic feed. This perspective underscores the importance of providing users with control over their social media experience. The introduction of an off-switch for algorithms marks a significant step towards giving users greater autonomy and agency in navigating online content. By acknowledging the potential for algorithmic harm, Australia is setting a precedent that could inspire other countries to follow suit and prioritize user well-being. --- Source: [BBC News Technology](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cwr7y8er1n8vo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss) Published by Noti Group: https://noti.group/social-media-algorithms-targeted-in-australian-reforms/