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

The US has criticised Australia's proposal to give users the ability to opt out of social media algorithms, saying it amounts to "censorship of protected speech".

Under Australia's draft digital duty of care laws, tech firms risk hefty fines if they fail to give users the option to turn off algorithms in a bid to protect them from harmful content.

In a rare submission to the proposed laws, the US embassy in Canberra said it had "serious concerns" and allowing…