US criticizes Australia's algorithm opt-out law as censorship

The United States has criticized Australia's proposed law requiring tech firms to offer users an opt-out from social media algorithms, calling it "censorship of protected speech" that could lead to "viewpoint-based censorship" through vague definitions of harm. In a submission to Canberra, the US embassy expressed "serious concerns," arguing the draft digital duty of care laws could force platforms to "pre-emptively demote" independent journalists and affect users globally, not just in Australia. It also warned the rules might damage Australia's reputation for innovation. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese rejected the criticism during his US visit, stating the legislation "is about giving people back control over what they receive on their devices." The proposal follows Australia's social media ban for children under 16 introduced last December.