Under the draft laws, platforms would be mandated to send push notifications asking users to opt in or out of these automated recommendations.
This initiative aims to shift the responsibility for online safety onto technology companies, requiring them to proactively minimize foreseeable harms or face fines exceeding $100 million.
By targeting the systems that control content delivery, the government hopes to address issues such as cyberbullying, eating disorders, and violent content.
For users under 16, the proposal includes additional safeguards that would automatically disable features like personalized algorithms and infinite scrolling—the mechanism that allows for continuous content consumption without a natural stopping point.
While the government argues the law empowers users, critics within the opposition have raised concerns that the legislation could threaten free speech by giving the communications minister the power to define and regulate new categories of harm.
Beyond social media, the duty of care would apply to search engines and AI chatbots, which are automated systems designed to simulate conversation.
The draft laws are currently open for consultation as the government seeks to establish a new global standard for how digital platforms manage user safety and data-driven recommendations.