Tim Cook Calls Australia’s Social Media Curbs ‘World-Leading’, Albanese Says
Synopsis
Apple Executive Chairman Tim Cook has called Australia’s social media restrictions “world-leading” as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese discusses child safety, personalised feeds and Apple’s latest online safety tools during his US visit.
Australia’s approach to online safety is getting attention beyond the country. Apple Executive Chairman Tim Cook has described the Australia social media curbs world-leading, according to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who met Cook at Apple Park in California.
The comments come at a time when governments are looking more closely at how social media platforms affect younger users and how much control people should have over the content they see.
The Albanese Tim Cook meeting took place during the Australian prime minister’s visit to the US.
Albanese said Cook spoke positively about Australia’s work on social media and also showed him some of Apple’s latest tools aimed at keeping children safer online.
Australia became the first country to introduce a social media ban under 16, with the restrictions taking effect in December 2025.
The government is now looking at further changes to how social media feeds work.
Australia Wants Users to Have More Control
The next step is a plan called “My Feed, My Way”. It would give users the option to choose whether they want personalised recommendations in their feeds.
The idea is part of Australia’s wider online safety framework. Rather than leaving the way feeds are presented entirely to platform algorithms, the government wants users to have more say in what appears on their screens.
Australia’s under-16 restrictions have already attracted attention from other governments. The European Commission has also proposed restricting social media access for children under 13, showing that age-based online safety measures are becoming part of a wider policy discussion.
Apple Focuses on Child Safety
Cook’s comments also come as Apple continues to expand its Apple child safety features which Australia has helped bring into focus.
During the meeting, Cook pointed to Apple’s latest controls for children and parents. These include tools that allow parents to manage apps, content and contacts that children can access.
The connection is worth noting. Apple does not operate a major social media platform, but its devices are used by millions of people to access those services. Its Apple online safety tools can therefore influence how children and families manage their digital lives.
AI was Another Part of the Discussion
The Apple Park Albanese visit was not limited to social media. Artificial intelligence was also part of the conversation.
Albanese said AI is moving quickly and argued that governments need to discuss a global framework for its development while making sure humans remain in control. His comments come as technology companies and governments debate how quickly AI capabilities should advance and what safeguards should accompany them.
For Apple, the meeting also came shortly after Cook stepped down as CEO following 15 years in the role. His comments on Australia’s approach add another layer to the growing conversation around technology companies, governments and online safety.
Source: Reuters
Vishal is an experienced Editor at Inspirepreneur Magazine with key interests in artificial intelligence, eCommerce, entrepreneurship, lifestyle and startup sector. Prior to joining Inspirepreneur, he was a Content Writer cum Correspondent at Siliconindia Magazine, where he worked on Company Profiles, Cover Stories, Executive Profiles, Feature Articles and Thought Leadership content.
