Australia could make social media algorithms optional and follow UK ban on pornography depicting strangulation

The social services minister, Tanya Plibersek, has told ABC’s Insiders that social media algorithms are deliberately feeding boys and men violent content. Photograph: Bianca de Marchi/AAP

The Australian government is considering allowing users to opt in or opt out of social media algorithms, and is looking at a recent UK ban on depictions of strangulation and suffocation in pornography.

The social services minister, Tanya Plibersek, said social media was “playing a huge role” in the increase in sexual violence among teenagers and choking, and confirmed the options were being considered as the government develops its second action plan to end family and domestic violence against women and children.