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Hume criticizes Labor's opt-out algorithm bill
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
Labor proposes allowing users to opt out of social media algorithms. The bill targets addictive design, with critics questioning motives.
Background
The Australian Labor Party has proposed legislation that would require social media platforms to let users opt out of algorithmic feeds, aiming to reduce addictive content. The bill follows a previous law banning under-16s from social media. Supporters like NSW Premier Chris Minns argue it gives users choice, while critics like Senator Canavan see it as blaming algorithms for Labor's own trust issues.
How it unfolded
- Late last yearFederal parliament passed a bill banning under-16s from social media, setting the stage for further platform regulation.
- Sep 3, 2026NSW Premier Chris Minns publicly supports a proposal to allow users to quit social media algorithms, warning tech companies.
- Sep 6, 2026Labor's plan for an algorithm opt-out bill gains attention, with a Facebook post framing it as 'freedom of choice'.
- Sep 7, 2026Labor promises to review the legislation if elected in May; critics like Senator Canavan accuse Labor of blaming algorithms for lost trust.
Who’s saying what
- Support
- NSW Premier Chris Minns supports the proposal, saying it would reduce the addictive nature of social media and is not radical.
- Critics
- Senator Canavan says Labor is blaming algorithms for people losing trust, suggesting the real issue is Albanese's past lies.
Still unverified
The specific details of the bill, such as enforcement mechanisms and penalties, are not yet public.