US warns Australia social media reforms may enable censorship

The Trump administration has formally criticized Australia's proposed social media algorithm reforms, warning the measures could "facilitate censorship" and suppress protected speech globally. Washington submitted its concerns to Canberra's public consultation process late Tuesday. The draft laws, proposed by Australia's Labor government, would require platforms to offer users a default algorithm-recommended feed with an option to opt out and see only followed accounts. The US Embassy said it had "serious concerns" about mandates forcing rigid platform design, warning vague definitions of "harm" could incentivize over-moderation of protected speech. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese defended the reforms at the UN General Assembly, saying they aim to restore individual control over content choices, not expand government authority. The bill is expected to be introduced to parliament this year.