Australia is pursuing closer collaboration with major tech players to shape new AI and online safety rules, a stance raised by Prime Minister with Apple’s Tim Cook in Cupertino.

The government has enacted stringent social media safeguards, including feed-control features and a child under-16 ban, with similar debates in the EU about under-13 restrictions.

Albanese framed Australia as a leader in online safety, citing the age ban and ongoing efforts, and signaled further high-level discussions at the UN General Assembly in New York.

Enforcement of the age ban has faced criticism, with recent testing showing many platforms accepted users declaring age 16 without verification.

On IP and copyright, the PM argued for creators’ control and fair pay, signaling productive dialogue with industry and continued engagement with major AI firms.

When questioned about Indigenous child protection in remote communities, he deferred to the appropriate minister and underscored federal-state responsibilities.

Reporting on the event was by Sam McKeith in Sydney, with editing by William Mallard.

The press conference closed with updates on ongoing talks with Cook about digital duty of care and draft legislation, and optimism about broader stakeholder feedback.

Cook has stepped down as Apple’s CEO to become executive chair of the board, with John Ternus taking over as CEO, a shift relevant to policy engagement and regulatory discussions.

As executive chair, Cook remains involved in policy and regulatory conversations, aligning with Australia’s social media age-ban discussions.

Other countries are weighing similar protections, with the EU proposing under-13 bans and New Zealand considering under-16 platform access limits.

Despite the ban, some youths still access harmful content, reinforcing the push for platform-enforced protections and parental controls, aligned with Apple’s digital duty of care.