Australia Unveils ‘My Feed, My Way’ Initiative

On 8 September 2026, the Albanese Government released a draft legislation for a new Digital Duty of Care regime for targeted consultation.

A key feature of the proposal is “My Feed, My Way.” The draft laws would also enhance safeguards for children and expand the powers of the eSafety Commissioner to combat harmful online content.

Highlighting the objectives of the proposal, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said:

“This work has been led by parents and advocates and we have backed them. We will continue to do so.”

“This is not about giving government control, it is about giving people control.” he added.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Albanese Government has released draft legislation for a Digital Duty of Care framework aimed at creating a safer online environment across digital services.

2. The proposed laws would place the responsibility on digital service providers to meet minimum safety standards for the features and tools used on their platforms.

3. The draft legislation introduces “My Feed, My Way,” an Australian-first initiative designed to give users greater control over their social media algorithms.

Explaining the proposed changes, Minister for Communications Anika Wells said:

“When it comes to social media, Australians over the age of 16 will be able to opt in or opt out of the algorithm easily. The duty of care will require platforms to give users over 16 choice on what feed they see when they open the app — and to respect that choice.”

4. Social media platforms would be required to notify both new and existing users about choices available for their default content feeds.

5. Users will be able to opt in to receiving personalised content recommended by platform algorithms.

6. They will also have the option to opt out of algorithmically recommended content and instead view content from friends and creators they choose to follow.

7. The proposal seeks to provide Australians with greater control over their online experiences and the content displayed on digital platforms.

PM Albanese said:

“Australia is leading the world with our social media age ban and online safety approach.”

“Today we are releasing the government’s approach to give Australians choice over their online experience, “My Feed, My Way.”

8. Digital services, including online games, apps and AI chatbots, will be required to protect individuals under 18 years of age from design features that may have harmful behavioural effects, including addictive mechanisms or features affecting self-esteem.

9. Providers will be required to shield minors from harmful content, including:

   • Content promoting, encouraging or accelerating eating disorders;

   • Content promoting hostile views about women and gender equality;

   • Pornographic material;

   • Content glorifying crime or life-endangering stunts; and

   • Content causing serious mental health distress, including abuse and bullying.

10. The proposed framework aims to strengthen protections against harmful and illegal content across digital services while increasing user choice.

11. The draft laws would empower the eSafety Commissioner to issue removal notices for nudify applications and websites.

12. The proposal would streamline existing child cyberbullying and adult cyber abuse schemes, allowing harmful material to be addressed more quickly.

13. Digital platforms would be required to document measures taken to identify and mitigate risks of harm to Australian users and ensure those measures remain effective over time.

14. Non-compliance with the Digital Duty of Care could attract penalties of up to AUD 109.2 million, and the independent eSafety Commissioner would be responsible for monitoring compliance and enforcing the proposed regime.

15. The Government has invited feedback from digital platforms, industry groups, civil society organisations and advocates before introducing the legislation to Parliament later this year.

Minister Anika Wells said:

“Just as we have basic safety standards for cars, toys or food, the duty of care applies basic standards for the online products we use every day.”

She further stated:

“The duty of care goes beyond social media to ensure children are protected from harmful content and features, including on chatbots and gaming platforms, apps and messaging platforms.

It will also give parents the tools they need to keep their family safe online.”

Also Read: Social media off-limits for under-16s starting December 2025 as Australia sets Age Limit

[Australia Draft Digital Duty of Care Legislation, dated 8-9-2026]