Australia to allow users to turn off social media algorithms

London – Digital Economy Minister Michelle Donelan said firms such as Meta, Google and TikTok could face “substantial” fines if they fail to provide users with a clear opt‑out from algorithm‑driven content feeds. The warning was issued during a parliamentary briefing on the implementation of the Online Safety Bill, which mandates that large platforms give individuals the ability to switch to a chronological or non‑personalised view of their feeds. Donelan emphasized that the penalties, which could reach up to 10 percent of a company’s global turnover, are intended to ensure compliance across the sector.

The minister’s remarks come as regulators in the United Kingdom and elsewhere tighten scrutiny of social‑media giants over concerns about misinformation, mental‑health impacts and data privacy. Industry representatives have argued that offering a manual feed option could undermine user engagement and advertising revenue, but the government maintains that consumer choice is a core requirement of the new legislation. The deadline for platforms to roll out the feature is set for March 2025, after which the Office of Communications (Ofcom) will assess adherence and, if necessary, impose the stipulated penalties.