Australia considers banning strangulation porn and making algorithms optional after 16-year-old girl dies during sex act

Social Services Minister Tanya Plibersek has confirmed that a 16-year-old Sydney girl died following a suspected sexual strangulation act, with no arrests made so far. Speaking on the ABC's Insiders programme, Plibersek said social media platforms are deliberately directing violent content at boys, and Australia is now weighing new legislation — including an algorithm opt-out and a ban on strangulation pornography — modelled on recent UK law.

Plibersek warned that a boy who opens a social media account today encounters misogynistic, violent content within an average of 23 minutes.

The proposed measures form part of Australia's updated national plan to combat violence against women and children within families and domestic settings.

The minister accused social media giants of 'wrecking our young boys' by normalising strangulation during sex among teenagers.