US Condemns Australia's Plan for Social Media Algorithm Opt-out

WHO:

Techmeme - The US government is involved in criticizing Australia's proposal.

BBC - The US is represented in the criticism of Australia's proposed laws.

WHAT:

Techmeme - The US criticized Australia's digital duty-of-care proposal, which includes a provision for social media platforms to allow users to opt out of algorithms.

BBC - The US described Australia's proposed algorithm opt-out laws as "censorship."

WHERE:

Techmeme - The criticism is directed at Australia regarding its digital duty-of-care proposal.

WHY:

Techmeme - The US government is concerned about the implications of Australia's plan to regulate social media algorithms and harmful content online.

BBC - The US views the proposed laws as a form of censorship that could impact freedom of expression.

HOW:

Techmeme - The proposal would require social media platforms to implement an opt-out option for users regarding algorithmic content.

(UPDATED September 23, 2026 09:59 UTC)

The US government has criticized Australia's digital duty-of-care proposal, which includes a controversial provision allowing users to opt out of algorithms on social media platforms. Officials in the US have described these proposed laws as a form of censorship that could threaten freedom of expression and raise concerns about regulating harmful content online. The criticism specifically targets Australia's plan to require social media companies to implement this opt-out option for users.