AUSTRALIA CONSIDERS OPTIONAL SOCIAL MEDIA ALGORITHMS

The Australian government is weighing two regulatory measures targeting online harms. The first would let users opt in or out of algorithmic content feeds on social platforms, potentially reducing algorithmic amplification of harmful material. The second proposal mirrors the UK's existing pornography restrictions, which ban depictions of strangulation and suffocation. The UK implemented this ban to address concerns about extreme content and its effects on viewer behavior. Plibersek stated that social media plays a role in increasing sexual violence among teenagers, prompting the government's examination of these policy options. The moves align with broader efforts by Australian regulators to curb online harms and protect minors. These proposals form part of Australia's wider regulatory approach to social media, following previous legislation targeting algorithm-driven content and age verification requirements. The government has not yet announced implementation timelines or final policy positions on either measure.