Australia Tightens Social Media Content Rules, Enhancing User Rights and Platform Accountability

Australia is set to tighten its regulations on social media content with a new bill that grants users aged 16 and over the right to opt out of algorithmically curated feeds. This move aims to empower users and increase the accountability of platform companies. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated that the initiative, dubbed "My Feed, My Way," will give control to the people, not the government, allowing individuals to shape technology positively. Minister for Communications, Anika Wells, explained that users will be able to choose between algorithmic recommendations or viewing content solely from their friends and chosen creators. The proposed legislation also targets the spread of content that promotes eating disorders, misogyny, glorifies criminal acts, and is harmful to children. The eSafety Commissioner will be empowered to issue takedown notices for "nudify" apps, which use technology to create fake nude images. Tech companies failing to comply could face fines of up to AUD 100 million (approximately USD 72 million). In parallel, China has unveiled its Copyright Development Plan for 2026-2030, focusing on legal framework improvement, law enforcement, and adaptation to new technologies like AI, big data, and blockchain. The plan aims to significantly increase copyright registrations, targeting 9.5 million annually by 2030. It emphasizes enhanced protection for online literature, video games, audiovisual content, and platform software. A mechanism for the reasonable use of data for AI training is also included, seeking to balance innovation with creators' rights. At the Lumiere Summit in France, President Emmanuel Macron called for the protection of the film industry in the age of AI and online platforms. South Korean President Lee Jae-myung echoed this, advocating for responsible, human-centered AI development and stressing that the audiovisual industry should stem from human creativity and emotion.