The Australian government is considering allowing social media users to opt in or opt out of algorithms. This consideration comes as the government develops its second action plan to address family and domestic violence against women and children.
Social services minister Tanya Plibersek stated that social media is "playing a huge role" in the increase of sexual violence among teenagers and choking. She confirmed these options are being reviewed.
The government is also examining a recent UK ban on the depiction of strangulation and suffocation in pornography. Plibersek told the ABC's Insiders program that social media algorithms are reportedly feeding boys and men violent content, normalising strangulation during sex.
Plibersek noted that 60% of young people now report experiencing strangulation during a sexual encounter. The government is working with the Teach Us Consent campaign, which advocates for opt-in only algorithms.
Additionally, Labor is set to begin consultations on a digital duty of care bill, which aims to place responsibility on tech companies, including AI firms, to enhance online safety. Plibersek also raised concerns about camera-equipped smartglasses, stating that the Attorney-General has asked the privacy commissioner to investigate them.