Australia claims it is a global pioneer in preventing online harm - should other countries follow suit?
News Source
β’Fri, 18 Sep 2026 15:00:23 GMT
π° What Happened
Anthony Albanese is heading to the United Nations General Assembly in New York. He wants other countries to join Australia's fight against online harm to children. Australia's ban on social media for under-16s has closed as many as 5 million accounts.
Earlier this month Albanese announced plans for a digital duty of care. He also wants users to be able to opt out of powerful algorithms. Those systems can push harmful content and heat up political debate. The government says it will not treat children as commodities.
π The Backstory
Last September Albanese hosted an event at the UN on online safety. European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen said the world was watching Australia. Leaders from Greece, Fiji, Tonga and Malta backed the push for change.
Families shared stories of children who died after online bullying. Since then France, Brazil and Indonesia have moved on similar rules. Australia has become a test case for reining in big tech companies. Communication minister Anika Wells is helping lead the push.
π― Why It Matters
Social media can harm young people's mental health. Rules like these change what apps children can use and how tech firms treat them.
Anthony Albanese is heading to the United Nations General Assembly in New York. He wants other countries to join Australia's fight against online harm to children. Australia's ban on social media for under-16s has closed as many as 5 million accounts.
Earlier this month Albanese announced plans for a digital duty of care. He also wants users to be able to opt out of powerful algorithms. Those systems can push harmful content and heat up political debate. The government says it will not treat children as commodities.
Last September Albanese hosted an event at the UN on online safety. European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen said the world was watching Australia. Leaders from Greece, Fiji, Tonga and Malta backed the push for change.
Families shared stories of children who died after online bullying. Since then France, Brazil and Indonesia have moved on similar rules. Australia has become a test case for reining in big tech companies. Communication minister Anika Wells is helping lead the push.
Social media can harm young people's mental health. Rules like these change what apps children can use and how tech firms treat them.