Anthony Albanese Seeks Global Coalition to Regulate Social Media

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is traveling across the United States to build a global coalition for the regulation of social media giants. This diplomatic push follows Australia's implementation of a social media ban for children under 16, which resulted in the closure of up to 5 million accounts. Albanese is now proposing a digital duty of care framework called "my feed, my way," which would allow users over 16 to opt out of algorithmic recommendations. Platforms that fail to comply could face fines exceeding A$100 million.

During a visit to Apple Park in California on Sunday, Albanese met with Apple Executive Chair Tim Cook. Cook described Australia's social media restrictions as "world-leading" and highlighted Apple's own innovations in intuitive controls designed to keep children safe online. The meeting occurs as Albanese also attends the UN General Assembly in New York to seek international collaborators for digital safety.

While European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has expressed support and proposed a similar "EU Kids Act," the initiative faces domestic opposition from the Greens and the Coalition. Additionally, the White House has indicated that the Donald Trump administration may pressure Australia to cease targeting U.S.-owned technology companies.