941 tacks
Social media users could opt out of the algorithm if Australian government has its way – but that’s a big if
Even if the legislation passes, tech companies may still find ways to frustrate its intent and keep Australians hooked on their feed Social media could become a “choose your own adventure” between the doom-scrolling status quo, or just the feed of the friends you want to see, if the government’s planned digital duty of care legislation passes, and the tech companies don’t muck around on compliance.
Australia to force social media platforms to allow users to opt out of algorithms
Draft legislation enforces digital duty of care including limiting children’s exposure to misogynistic and eating disorder content Australia will allow social media account holders to opt out of the powerful algorithms pushing dangerous and divisive content into users’ feeds, part of new laws designed to boost online safety.
Will your feed be boring without the algorithm? Instagram gives us a hint
The article describes the potential impact of the Australian government's proposed laws that would require social media companies to offer users the option of opting out of the algorithm. The article also discusses the potential benefits and drawbacks of a world without algorithms, including the possibility of a more personalized and less addictive experience.
Labor wants Australians to be able to opt out of online algorithms. How will it change your feed?
The prime minister has predicted blowback to the scheme, which will affect social media, search engines and AI chatbots.
Smart glasses banned from Melbourne council's pools, gyms and playgrounds
The article describes the City of Yarra's decision to ban smart glasses from its leisure centres, playgrounds, and childcare centres. The ban aims to protect vulnerable members of the community from being covertly filmed without their knowledge. The City of Yarra will also lobby the federal government to temporarily ban the importation of smart glasses until Australia's privacy laws are updated to address the risks posed by wearable technologies.
Trump administration to confront Australia over Labor’s social media algorithm plan
White House warns trading partners against ‘imposing digital services taxes, fines, and other forms of extortion’ on US tech sector . The Trump administration will confront Australia over its plan to force digital platforms to take down harmful content and let users opt out of algorithm-generated “for you” feeds. Big tech companies would be fined more than $100m for breaching the proposed laws and the Australian government is under pressure to raise those fines even further.
Meta to pay $23 billion to settle teen social media addiction cases
Meta has settled a landmark court battle over teen social media addiction by agreeing to pay $23.6 billion and adding further child-safety measures to its Facebook and Instagram apps.
Tech giants are trying to obliterate privacy. Australia has a rare chance to take back part of their power | Lizzie O'Shea
The article describes the need for privacy reform in Australia. The author highlights the importance of strong legal protections over personal information and the need for enforcement mechanisms to ensure compliance. The article also emphasizes the need for specific rules for facial recognition technology and other emerging technologies.
The law won’t save us from Meta’s ‘pervert glasses’. The only solution is mockery
The article describes the author's concerns about the potential impact of Meta's smart glasses on privacy and society. The author argues that the glasses, which can be used to film people without their consent, are a form of exploitation and a threat to privacy. The author also criticizes the tech industry's tendency to prioritize profit over privacy and to ignore the potential negative consequences of their products.
Government has no plans to ban smart glasses imports, attorney-general says
The Australian government has unveiled draft privacy laws, including a “right to erasure” from large social media platforms and search engines. While the government is not currently considering an import ban on smart glasses, it acknowledges concerns about their potential misuse and has signalled that local councils could restrict their use. The draft legislation also addresses issues like meaningful consent, data trading, and introduces a new service called IDLock to give individuals more control over their identity documents.
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