Australia Seeks Big Tech Backing for Under-16 Safety Laws, Plans AI Standards by Year-End
Updated
Updated · Al Jazeera English · Sep 20
Australia Seeks Big Tech Backing for Under-16 Safety Laws, Plans AI Standards by Year-End
3 articles · Updated · Al Jazeera English · Sep 20
Summary
Anthony Albanese used a visit to Apple’s Cupertino headquarters to press global tech firms to support tougher Australian online-safety rules, saying the country “can’t do it alone” in protecting children.
Australia plans to introduce new AI standards by the end of 2026 after industry safety warnings, while Albanese said stronger internet rules are being put in place so technology “works for Australians.”
Draft legislation unveiled this month would impose a duty of care on platforms such as Facebook, TikTok and Instagram and let users switch off recommendation algorithms before the bill goes to parliament later this year.
Tim Cook said he discussed Apple’s new child-safety controls with Albanese, but the broader push faces political and practical hurdles: the opposition says the bill threatens free speech, and data last month showed under-16s still using social media despite Australia’s ban.