Apple’s Tim Cook praises Australia’s social media ban as 'World-Leading'
In December 2025, Australia became the first country to ban social media for children under 16. Other governments have followed this year, with EU the latest to propose such a ban for children under 13
Apple Executive Chair Tim Cook has praised Australia’s strict digital safety laws, describing the government's pioneering approach to social media regulation as "world-leading".
The endorsement came from Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese following a high-profile meeting with Cook at Apple Park in California
The talks highlight the growing friction between technology giants and governments over online safety and youth protection.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on Sunday after meeting with Cook at the company's US headquarters, "Tim Cook gave us a lot of time this morning. He regards the work that we’ve done on social media to be world-leading."
Asked for comment on Albanese's remarks, an Apple spokesperson referred to a post by Cook on X, saying he was grateful to share with Albanese "some of our newest innovations, including strong and intuitive controls to help keep kids safe online". Cook recently stepped down as Apple.
Australia this month took the next step in its push to improve online safety with a plan to give social media users the option to select the content they see on their feeds.
In December 2025, Australia became the first country to ban social media for children under 16. Other governments have followed this year, with the European Commission the latest to propose such a ban for children under 13.
Australia has positioned itself at the forefront of global internet legislation, most notably introducing a groundbreaking ban preventing children under 16 from holding social media accounts, alongside fresh initiatives allowing users to opt out of algorithmically curated feeds.
While Apple is not a primary social media operator, its iPhone ecosystem and App Store act as critical gatekeepers for major platforms.
An Apple spokesperson pointed to child safety controls embedded in its devices, noting that the company's newest innovations and intuitive tools are designed to keep young users safe online.
Beyond youth online safety, Albanese and Cook's discussions also broadened into the fast-evolving landscape of artificial intelligence.
Albanese emphasized the urgent need for international frameworks to manage AI safety, arguing that humanity must remain in control as rapid technological advancements continue to roil Silicon Valley.
Albanese's visit to the US comes as industry leaders there are split over how fast companies should develop the increasingly powerful technology, and as an AI safety debate roils Silicon Valley.
Albanese said AI entails risks that must be mitigated.
"There is a need for a discussion about what the global framework is for the roll out of AI, because it is moving very quickly, and we need to make sure that humans remain in control."
