Australia Seeks Big Tech Support for Online Safety
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese met Apple CEO Tim Cook in Cupertino to urge support for Australia’s upcoming online safety and AI regulations. The government plans to impose a duty of care on major platforms and give users the ability to opt out of algorithms, while also tightening AI standards by…
By Felo News Desk · Published
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese travelled to the United States for the United Nations General Assembly and used the trip to press tech giants for backing Australia’s new online safety and artificial intelligence (AI) regulations. In a meeting at Apple’s Cupertino headquarters, Albanese told CEO Tim Cook that the country “can’t do it alone” when it comes to protecting children from digital harm.
Australia’s New Online Safety Framework
The government’s draft legislation, announced earlier this month, will impose a “duty of care” on the operators of popular social media platforms such as Facebook, TikTok and Instagram. Under the proposed rules, companies would be required to take proactive steps to safeguard users, particularly minors, from content that could be harmful or exploitative. In addition, the laws would give users the option to turn off algorithmic feeds, allowing them to see content in chronological order rather than a curated stream.
Albanese highlighted that the legislation is part of a broader strategy to create a safer online environment for Australians. He said the government is “making sure technology works for Australians, not the other way around.” The draft laws will be tabled in Parliament later this year after a period of consultation with social media firms, industry bodies and civil society groups.
AI Regulation and the Role of Big Tech
Alongside the online safety push, the Albanese administration is set to introduce new AI standards by the end of the year. The aim is to ensure that emerging AI systems are transparent, accountable and aligned with Australian values. The Prime Minister called on industry leaders to support these standards, citing safety warnings from the sector. Tim Cook responded on X, noting that Apple has developed “strong and intuitive controls to help keep kids safe online.”
Apple’s involvement is significant because the company has already implemented age‑verification and content‑filtering tools on its platforms. By aligning with Australian policy, Apple could help set a global benchmark for responsible AI and online safety.
Opposition and Ongoing Debate
The Liberal‑National Coalition has opposed the bill in its current form, arguing that it lacks adequate safeguards for free speech and journalism. The opposition also contends that the legislation gives too much discretionary power to the Communications Minister. The debate is likely to intensify as Parliament considers the bill, with stakeholders from the tech industry, advocacy groups and the public weighing in.
Background: The 2023 Social Media Ban
Australia’s first major step to protect children came in 2023, when the government banned children under 16 from accessing social media platforms. The law was part of a “world‑first” crackdown designed to curb online bullying and prevent predatory algorithms from targeting minors. However, a recent study revealed that many under‑16 Australians continue to use apps like Instagram and TikTok despite the ban, indicating a gap between policy and enforcement.
Albanese’s current proposals aim to close that gap by creating enforceable duties for platform operators and giving users more control over how content is delivered. The government’s approach reflects a growing global trend to hold tech companies accountable for the societal impact of their services.
What Happens Next?
The draft legislation will be introduced to Parliament later this year after a consultation period that will involve tech companies, civil society, and industry bodies. If passed, the laws would require platforms to implement robust safety measures and give users the power to opt out of algorithmic feeds. The AI regulations are expected to be finalized by the end of the year, with potential international implications for how AI is regulated worldwide.
For now, the conversation is focused on how to balance safety, free expression, and corporate responsibility while ensuring that Australian children and citizens can navigate the digital world safely.
Key facts
- Australia is seeking Apple’s support for new online safety laws
- Draft legislation imposes a duty of care on major social media platforms
- Users will gain the ability to opt out of algorithmic feeds
- AI regulations to be introduced by year‑end
- Opposition criticises the bill for lacking free‑speech safeguards
- Under‑16 social media ban has proven difficult to enforce
Why it matters
Australia’s push to involve big tech in online safety and AI regulation signals a shift toward global accountability for digital platforms, aiming to protect vulnerable users and set a precedent for responsible tech governance.
Frequently asked questions
What is the duty of care requirement in Australia’s new online safety laws?
It requires operators of popular social media platforms to take proactive steps to protect users, especially minors, from harmful content and to implement safeguards that prevent exploitation.
Will the new laws affect all social media platforms?
The legislation targets major platforms such as Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, and other popular services that have a significant user base in Australia.
How will users opt out of algorithmic feeds?
Users will be given a setting that allows them to switch from algorithmically curated content to a chronological feed, giving them more control over what they see.
Sources
- [1] aljazeera.com — originally reported as “Australia seeks big tech support for internet safety, AI regulation”
