Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says Apple’s latest child safety measures were partly inspired by Australia’s social media ban for children under 16.
In a statement, Albanese revealed that Apple chief executive Tim Cook contacted him to discuss a range of new online safety features designed to give parents greater control over their children’s digital activity.
The new measures will allow parents to more easily manage the content children can access, who they can communicate with, and when they can use apps across Apple platforms.
According to Albanese, Cook directly connected the changes to Australia’s world-first approach to restricting social media access for young people.
“Mr Cook told me these changes are in part inspired by Australia’s world leading social media age ban, as well as the continued research Apple is undertaking into the impact of social media on kids,” Albanese said.
The prime minister welcomed the announcement and argued it demonstrated growing international support for stronger protections for children online.
“I welcome this announcement, and I am proud of the world leading work Australia is doing to fight for a safer online world for our children,” Albanese said.
“We have a long way to go and we knew it would not be easy.”
Albanese also noted that other countries are moving in a similar direction, with nations including France and Denmark pursuing their own restrictions on social media use by children.
Cook reportedly invited Albanese to visit Apple during his next trip to the United States.
The announcement comes as governments around the world face increasing pressure to address concerns about the impact of social media on young users and strengthen online safety protections.