The Greens have today introduced a new bill to introduce a Digital Duty of Care and force social media companies to make their algorithmic feeds an opt-in user choice, taking aim at the toxic algorithms and unregulated power of the social media giants.
This legislation builds on the advocacy of Teach Us Consent and the tireless campaigning of young Australians who have demanded action to make online spaces safer.
As stated by Greens communications spokesperson, Senator Sarah Hanson-Young:
"The social media ban is failing and the Government are dragging their feet on the long promised duty of care bill to keep all users safe online. It's time for real action.
"Big tech is the new big tobacco - an industry profiting from selling addictive, toxic and harmful products. Social media is unsafe for users of all ages, including young people who have found easy ways around the ban.
"Toxic algorithms amplify outrage, fear and division because it keeps users hooked and profits high.
"These algorithms that keep people addicted are at the centre of the big tech business model and taking them on is the only way to deal with the power that these massive companies have over their users.
"It's time to put people back in control of their feeds. The Greens' Fix Our Feeds Bill will give users the power to switch off the algorithmic feed. A simple change that puts choice and safety ahead of big tech profits.
"The bill will also implement a digital duty of care on tech companies, creating a legal responsibility for tech giants to ensure their platforms are not harmful to users.
"The Albanese Government first promised to bring in a digital duty of care almost 18 months ago but have so far failed to do so.
"Social media companies have designed their algorithms to maximise engagement at any cost, pushing extreme, harmful and predatory content into our feeds. These systems are deliberately engineered to be addictive; manipulating what we see, how we feel, and how long we stay online.
"Doomscrolling doesn't happen by accident - it's a deliberate design feature that manufactures addiction and dopamine hits to maximize their profit.
