Overview
- The government released the draft Digital Duty of Care on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, which would require platforms to offer users aged 16 and over a non‑algorithmic feed option instead of algorithmic recommendations.
- For users under 18 the bill lists harms platforms must act against, including content that promotes eating disorders, misogyny, pornography, crime or dangerous challenges, and features judged to be addictive or harmful to self‑esteem.
- The draft extends rules beyond social networks to cover online games, standalone apps and AI chatbots, and proposes penalties of up to A$109 million for breaches of the duty of care.
- The government has opened the draft for consultation with platform operators, industry groups and advocacy organisations and intends to introduce the law in parliament later in 2026.
- The proposal builds on Australia’s December 2025 ban on social accounts for under‑16s and cites data and a BMJ study showing use rebounded and young people often evaded the ban by using fake or older accounts, which the government says requires system‑level fixes to algorithms.