Apple’s new safety features inspired by Australia’s youth social media ban: Albanese
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The news: In a press release published by the Federal Government, Anthony Albanese said Apple CEO Tim Cook told him that he took inspiration from Australia’s world-leading social media age ban.
The context: Apple unveiled a new suite of safety features on Tuesday morning (AEST), to give parents more control over the content children consume on their devices and who they communicate with.
The discussion between Albanese and Cook follows Australia’s world-first legislation prohibiting children under 16 from holding accounts on major social media platforms, with companies facing fines of up to $49.5 million for non-compliance, which took effect on 10 December.
According to Albanese, Cook’s inspiration was driven by Apple’s ongoing research into how social media platforms impact youth development.
The prime minister anticipates that more nations will follow Australia’s lead, and he plans to visit Apple’s headquarters in the US to observe the company’s parental control technologies and discuss digital safety measures.
What they said: “Australian parents led this effort, and we are proud to back them. We have already seen more than five million under-16s accounts removed, deactivated or restricted,” Albanese said in a statement.
“Social media companies have a social responsibility, and we make no apology for holding them to account to help keep kids safe,” he added.
The sources: Anthony Albanese press release, Apple press release
