US rebukes Australia over social media algorithm crackdown

The US government has criticized Australia's proposed digital duty-of-care law, which would require online platforms to make products safe for minors and allow users to opt out of algorithms, calling it "facilitating censorship." The US Embassy in Canberra warned the plan imposes "disproportionate compliance burdens on American companies" and could affect fair competition and market access. Australia's proposal follows its world-first social media ban for under-16s enacted last year. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese defended the law, saying it gives people control over their devices, not government control. The dispute highlights global tensions over regulating Big Tech and AI development.