Algorithm reform must be balanced

Tuesday, 8 September 2026

Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) Chief Executive Officer Andrew McKellar said it is important that algorithm reform balances keeping Australians safe online with the opportunity for Australian businesses to compete and provide legitimate services in the modern economy.

"There are legitimate concerns across the community about content on social media platforms, and it is important that governments take steps to stamp out harmful content," he said.

"We clearly see the government's ongoing work to deal with very real and very serious social harms, but this cannot be lumped in with legitimate business practices and needs in today's economy,"

"It is important that algorithm reform balances keeping Australians safe online with the opportunity for Australian businesses to compete and provide legitimate services in the modern economy."

"We support moves to protect children and consumers from the kinds of harms associated with social media algorithms, but these must be properly targeted to ensure there is no collateral damage to business. Any requirements must be risk-based and proportionate."

"Many small businesses, especially those starting out, rely on social media platforms to get established and build their customer base," he said.

"Reforms must be mindful of the risk here to small business, many who have built their brands, services and customer base online at great personal cost and investment over many years."

"The Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry does not want to see a situation where small businesses lose access to the opportunity to grow because of regulations that go too far. Business stands ready to work methodically with government through these issues."