US criticises Australia's proposed algorithm opt-out laws as 'censorship'

The US has criticised Australia's proposed digital duty of care laws that would allow users to opt out of social media algorithms, claiming they amount to "censorship of protected speech." The US embassy raised concerns that vague definitions of "harm" could lead to viewpoint-based censorship and disadvantage independent journalists and minority voices, while also potentially affecting users globally. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese defended the legislation as returning control to individuals rather than giving power to governments.