Apple CEO Praises Australian PM for Under-16 Social Media Ban

Apple CEO Tim Cook has called Prime Minister Anthony Albanese praising him for implementing the world-first social media ban on under-16-year-olds.

The call comes after the tech leader said the ban played a major role influencing the development of new child protection tools.

“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 in a statement on June 9.

In a separate announcement, Apple unveiled a range of new tools designed to give parents greater oversight of how children use their devices.

The upcoming software updates will introduce features that allow parents to more easily control the content children can access, manage who they communicate with, and set limits on app usage.

Australia introduced its ban in December becoming the first country to implement a nationwide ban, which has inspired other countries like Malaysia and Indonesia to push forward bans of their own.

European nations like Britain, France, Spain, and Denmark are also weighing up their own bans.

Australia’s restrictions apply to platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and Snapchat, with companies facing penalties of up to $49.5 million for failing to comply.

Prime Minister Albanese said the government’s efforts to improve online safety for children were beginning to influence discussions beyond Australia.

“We have a long way to go, and we knew it would not be easy,” Albanese added.

The prime minister also revealed that Cook had invited him to visit Apple HQ during a future trip to the United States.

“And I plan to take up that offer so we can keep learning how best to protect our kids,” he added.

Among the additions announced by Apple are a simplified device setup process for children, new browsing permissions, app time allowances, and an updated Screen Time experience. The changes are expected to be rolled out later this year.

Apple said the new measures build on its existing parental control system and reflect the company’s broader focus on online safety.

“At Apple, our mission has always been to create technology that empowers people and enriches their lives, while helping keep them safe,” said Sumbul Desai, M.D., Apple’s vice president of Health and Fitness.

The company said its approach was based on giving parents flexible tools that can be adapted to the needs of individual children rather than applying a one-size-fits-all model.

“Today, we’re introducing major updates to help families thoughtfully establish age-based protections and develop healthy digital habits.”