Crossbench Joint Statement - Internet Safety? Algorithm Opt Out - 10 February 2026

Manisha Gordon-Menon
Wed, 11 Feb 2026 08:08:00 +0800

Today on Internet Safety Day, Senators and House of the Representative MPs have called on the Federal Government to give all Australians freedom of choice on social media and let them protect themselves from social media algorithms that promote harmful content.

Social media companies use algorithms to keep users online by promoting content that intensifies negative emotions like anger and outrage. This maximises the social media company profit, but undermines social cohesion and mental health, spreads misinformation, promotes eating disorders, and amplifies hate speech, misogyny, homophobia and racism.

Research shows that young male users are fed misogynistic content almost as soon as they set up an account and Teach Us Consent has launched a campaign to Fix Our Feeds calling on social media platforms to give users the option to opt in or out of algorithms.

Teach Us Consent has rightly put a spotlight on the way social media algorithms promote misogyny, but social media algorithms also promote division at a time when we need to unify. The government has acted to protect under 16s with a social media ban, butthe harm extends through all ages.

Now we need to give all Australians the right to opt-in and opt-out of algorithms that give social media corporations control over how we communicate.

Australians deserve freedom of choice.

Allegra Spender, Independent MP for Wentworth

“It is no surprise to anyone with a social media account that algorithms have the capacity to drive division, to isolate and to spread hateful and dangerous content. This content shapes us without even realising, normalising extremism, misogyny and hate.

“Teach Us Consent’s Fix our Feeds initiative puts control and choice back where it belongs: into the hands of Australians. It is time for the Government to show courage and take decisive action.”

ACT Independent Senator David Pocock

“Now more than ever we need the Federal Government to step up and take strong action against social media algorithms and bot farms that are inciting hatred and fostering social division. We were promised a digital duty of care but there’s been no action to implement that.

“Teach Us Consent’s Fix our Feeds campaign offers a solution, and I urge all parliamentarians to get behind it.”

SA Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young

“Dangerous algorithms on social media platforms fuel sexism, misogyny and hate online, and in the community.

“Social media apps should not be allowed to force their nasty and dangerous content onto users - users should be in control of our own feeds, and have the freedom to opt out. The Government and Parliament needs to act.”

Nicolette Boele, Independent MP for Bradfield

"Remember when feeds were chronological, simple, and about people you actually knew? Most of us joined social media to connect with friends and family, yet feeds are dominated by content that isolates, divides, and radicalises.

“Algorithms are shaping an entire generation’s view of the world. In just 23 minutes, an account mimicking a 16–18-year-old boy will be fed with misogynistic content.

“If we want stronger, safer, and more connected communities — if we want social cohesion — it’s time to put the platforms in their place and the people in control.”

Dr Sophie Scamps, Independent MP for Mackellar

“We’ve long passed the point where social media is just a place to connect. Today’s hyper-targeted algorithms are engineered to addict and generate outrage – often using harmful content – all in the name of profits for tech billionaires. We cannot underestimate the damage this is doing to both our social cohesion and the mental health of individuals. We have the technology to fix this, we now need the political courage to bring it in.”

Dr Monique Ryan, Independent MP for Kooyong

“We have to stop algorithms pushing misogynistic messages onto young men and boys, and distorting feelings about body image in both boys and girls.

“Giving Australians the ability to switch algorithms on or off is a simple, sensible change which will put control back in the hands of users and reduce the toxic influence of outrage-driven feeds.”

Zali Steggall, Independent MP for Warringah

“Australians should have real control over the content we see online, including the choice to opt in or opt out of algorithm-driven feeds that can cause harm. I support the Fix Our Feeds call for algorithm choice, and I’ve long advocated for a genuine digital duty of care that makes platforms legally responsible for the safety and wellbeing of their users.”

Kate Chaney, Independent MP for Curtin

“The under-16 ban on social media is a blunt tool, and it cannot be the end of how we hold to account the big tech companies that are selling our attention. It’s not a fair fight – sophisticated algorithms are designed to turn us into doomscrolling zombies. We must take back control of our online lives.”

Media contact: Peter McEvoy 0419 274 417 10 February 2026