Social media algorithm opt-in would curb ‘manosphere’, advocate says

Chanel Contos wants Australia to make algorithmic social media feeds something users actively choose, rather than something they receive by default. She says weaker reforms would be “too easy” for technology companies to design around.

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too easy

Contos, founder and chief executive of Teach Us Consent, plans to make the case at the National Press Club in Canberra for tighter controls on harmful algorithms. She argues that recommendation systems expose young people to misogynistic “manosphere” content and contribute to the prevalence of sexual violence in Australia.

The government has not committed to her preferred model. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has backed giving Australians more control over what appears on their devices, but has stopped short of supporting an algorithm opt-in. “In response to community concern about the impact of algorithms, we are considering options to ensure people have greater control over what they receive on their devices,” he said.

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In response to community concern about the impact of algorithms, we are considering options to ensure people have greater control over what they receive on their devices.

In an excerpt of her speech seen by the ABC, Contos describes an opt-out system as a “first step” and credits the government for addressing the issue. She argues that opt-in algorithms would make the transition to social media safer for 16-year-olds and other children, while bringing the principle of affirmative consent to users’ screens. “This is crucial, and the detail in any reform will determine its success,” she says.

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This is crucial, and the detail in any reform will determine its success.

Communications Minister Anika Wells is pursuing a broader Digital Duty of Care. The proposed legal obligation would require online platforms to identify and reduce foreseeable risks proactively, rather than relying mainly on users to report harm. Wells says opaque recommendation systems have allowed companies to influence Australian culture “for better or worse” and adds: “Online harm has real-world consequences. If we want to prevent harm, we must fix platforms that reward it.”

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Online harm has real-world consequences. If we want to prevent harm, we must fix platforms that reward it.