Australia's Online Safety Bill Would Redesign Social Feeds

Australia published the Online Safety Amendment (Digital Duty of Care) Bill 2026, imposing a duty of care for social media, search engines, app stores and AI services. Platforms must offer a choice between algorithmic and chronological feeds, and disable recommendations, likes and stories for users under 16. Fines reach A$109.2 million, with a 12-month transition period.

• Fines for violations reach A$109.2 million for companies
• Recommendations, likes and stories disabled for users under 16
• Platforms must assess risks annually and keep reports for 6 years
• Transition period after the law passes is 12 months