The federal government has released an exposure draft of its long-promised digital duty of care.

The headline feature is an “off switch”. Social media platforms would have to ask users, through prompts that appear from time to time, whether they want to keep a personalised, algorithm-driven feed, or instead see mostly the accounts they have chosen to follow. The Prime Minister calls it “My feed, my way”.

Communications Minister Anika Wells has been careful to say plenty of Australians appreciate the algorithm and will keep it. She argues big tech should offer them the choice in the first place, and should respect it.

Opposition Leader Angus Taylor says the Coalition has not seen the bill and wants parents to have more control over what their children see, but he has warned the government against censoring speech online.

But Shadow Treasurer Tim Wilson was more blunt, accusing the government of trying to “censor and silence Australians”.

One Nation Leader Pauline Hanson is opposing the plan, saying “Australia should be moving away from government censorship, not building the Orwellian machinery for it”.

Nationals Leader Matt Canavan also has reservations, telling ABC News Radio:

I’m deeply sceptical of giving any government, whether I was in charge, or Anika Wells is in charge, I’m deeply sceptical of giving any government the power to decide what you read on your phone.

I’m deeply sceptical of giving any government, whether I was in charge, or Anika Wells........

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