Senate hopeful Monica Tudehope wants social media algorithms overhauled

A candidate running for a hotly-contested NSW senate spot wants to ban social media algorithms manipulating what children see on apps like Instagram and TikTok.

A candidate running for a hotly-contested NSW senate spot wants to ban social media algorithms manipulating what children see on apps like Instagram and TikTok.

Under the radical policy, proposed by preselection candidate Monica Tudehope, adults would also be allowed to “opt out” of curated feeds to see a traditional “chronological” view instead.

The content users see on their Instagram and TikTok feeds is governed by complex algorithms which rank content and posts, often serving users with content similar to that they have already engaged with.

Ms Tudehope proposed the idea as part of her pitch to take over the Senate spot vacated by Marise Payne, who resigned in September.

She has argued that algorithms which curate feeds are becoming increasingly dangerous for children who may see damaging content on their social media apps.

Algorithms govern what users see on social media.

Ms Tudehope, the daughter of NSW Liberal MP Damien Tudehope, wants the algorithms banned for users under 18.

The Daily Telegraph last month revealed that a simple search for “lip fillers” on TikTok led to the app bombarding the user with videos and ads for cosmetic surgery procedures including nose jobs and eyebrow extensions.

TikTok serves users with content similar to videos they have previously engaged with. Users can reset their “For You” feed whenever they wish, a spokeswoman said.

Liberal preselection candidate Monica Tudehope. Source: supplied

Under Ms Tudehope’s plan, adults would be allowed to “opt out” of curated feeds to see posts in chronological order – something which would overhaul the way Instagram works.

Ms Tudehope said an overhaul was needed to prevent social media becoming an “echo chamber” where people only see content they agree with.

“I am not anti-technology or anti the internet. But we must figure it out better, and be alive to the very sinister impact it is having on our society, particularly young people,” she told The Telegraph.

Ms Tudehope, from the Liberal Party’s right-wing faction, is firming as one of the main contenders in the Senate preselection race ahead of Sunday’s vote.

Former NSW Minister Andrew Constance is still believed to be the favourite, despite already having failed twice in his bid to enter federal parliament.

Liberal sources from the party’s right and left factions yesterday said that support for Mr Constance is falling, and Ms Tudehope is firming as the main threat against the favourite.

Liberal preselection candidate Monica Tudehope with husband Tim, and daughters Alice (standing) and Grace. Source: supplied

Ms Tudehope, a mother of two in her late 30s, previously worked as former Premier Dominic Perrottet’s head of policy and deputy chief of staff.

In a video endorsement for Ms Tudehope, Mr Perrottet declared she is “the future” of the party.

“She’s got the energy, the experience, and the ideas,” he said.

Mr Constance is being backed by senior Liberal moderates, including former NSW Minister Stuart Ayres, and Ms Payne.

Liberal sources have previously criticised Mr Constance as a “twice-failed candidate,” telling the Telegraph that Ms Payne should be replaced by a woman.

A total of 10 candidates are running in the preselection, which will be held on Sunday.

The winner will be installed in the Senate to fill the spot vacated by Ms Payne.