Overview
- An exposure draft prepared for Parliament would force social media companies to offer regular pop-up choices that let users turn off algorithmic feeds and see posts only from accounts they follow.
- The law would place clear duties on platforms to identify and remove illegal and harmful material and would set penalties that could reach about $100 million for serious breaches.
- The e-Safety Commissioner and accredited independent researchers would gain new powers to monitor platforms, including using controlled fake accounts to check what content is shown to under-18s.
- Political responses are divided: the Greens and campaigners want a stronger opt-in default, while Coalition leaders have voiced deep scepticism and say they will study the bill once it is released.
- The draft builds on years of campaigning over youth exposure to harmful content and earlier online-safety measures, but its impact will depend on how opt-out interfaces are designed and how enforceable the new monitoring and fine regime proves to be.