US warns Australia's social media algorithm reforms risk censorship

The Trump administration has criticized Australia's proposed social media algorithm reforms, warning that Washington would likely view them as "facilitating censorship" if enacted. 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 in Canberra raised "serious concerns" about mandated design requirements, arguing they could affect global content and risk viewpoint-based censorship. Washington urged Australia to clearly define "harm" and "risk" standards, cautioning that vague definitions could incentivize over-moderation of protected speech. The comments come as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese promotes his technology reform agenda at the UN General Assembly, with the bill expected in Parliament this year.