Australia moves to enable algorithm opt-outs

title: "Australia Moves to Let Social Media Users Opt Out of Algorithms"
description: "Australia's government plans legislation allowing users to disable engagement-based algorithms, switching to chronological feeds by default. Penalties for non-compliance could reach $109.2M."
keywords: "Australia, social media, algorithm opt-out, chronological feed, regulation, like.tg"

## Australia Introduces Legislation for Algorithm-Free Social Media Option

The Australian government confirmed on Tuesday its plan to implement legislation enabling all social media users to **opt out of engagement-based algorithms**. This move would allow users to switch to a **chronological post order by default**, displaying content only from explicitly followed accounts without platform amplification.

According to a press release from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's office, platforms will be required to notify new and existing users about their feed options. Users can either opt into algorithmically personalized content or choose a non-personalized feed showing posts from followed accounts.

## Potential Impact on Social Media Behavior

This initiative could establish the **largest test case** of an algorithm-free social media experience, providing insights into how recommendation systems affect:
- Misinformation spread  
- Divisive content amplification  
- Overall user engagement patterns  

While platforms like X and Threads offer algorithm-free options in desktop versions, these features are typically buried in settings. Australia's legislation would make the chronological feed a **default choice**, potentially reducing compulsive usage of algorithmic feeds.

## Additional Regulatory Measures

The Australian government also announced plans to regulate:
- Addictive app features  
- AI chatbot interactions  
- Harmful content related to eating disorders, crime, gender equality, and dangerous stunts  

Non-compliant platforms face penalties up to **A$109.2 million** (US$71.5 million). Full regulatory parameters will be finalized in coming months.

## Global Implications

Australia's approach may influence other regions if results demonstrate algorithmic amplification exacerbates harmful content distribution. The change could also force publishers to adapt content strategies for reduced algorithmic reach.

like.tg will continue monitoring developments in this significant shift toward user-controlled social media experiences.