Australian Communications Minister Annika Wells said that Australia may pass new laws requiring internet companies to allow users to turn off algorithm options. Agence France-Presse quoted Wells on the 7th as reporting that the draft will be submitted to Parliament for review this week. If passed, internet companies must provide users with the option to turn off the algorithm. In this way, users will not see recommended content customized according to their own preferences. Wells said, “Many Australians appreciate algorithms; they can derive both emotional value and practical value from them.” But big tech companies should first provide users with choices, and let the public decide for themselves what content they see in their own information flow.

Australian Communications Minister Annika Wells said that Australia may pass new laws requiring internet companies to allow users to turn off algorithm options. Agence France-Presse quoted Wells on the 7th as reporting that the draft will be submitted to Parliament for review this week. If passed, internet companies must provide users with the option to turn off the algorithm. In this way, users will not see recommended content customized according to their own preferences. Wells said, “Many Australians appreciate algorithms; they can derive both emotional value and practical value from them.” But big tech companies should first provide users with choices, and let the public decide for themselves what content they see in their own information flow.