Sydney: Apple Executive Chair Tim Cook views Australia’s social media restrictions as ‘world-leading’, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated after meeting Cook at Apple’s headquarters in the United States.
“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,” Albanese stated in remarks from Apple Park in California that were broadcast in Australia.
Australia has taken further steps this month to strengthen online safety, including plans to give social media users greater control over the content displayed in their feeds. In December, Australia became the first country to prohibit social media access for children under 16.
It was great to welcome @AlboMP to Apple Park this morning to talk about the incredible work of our teams and our longstanding commitment to Australia. I was grateful to share some of our newest innovations, including strong and intuitive controls to help keep kids safe online. pic.twitter.com/EQKmIkP3uC
— Tim Cook (@tim_cook) September 19, 2026
Other governments have moved towards similar measures, with the European Commission recently proposing a ban on social media for children under 13. Cook recently stepped down as Apple’s chief executive after 15 years in the position and became the company’s executive chair.
Albanese’s visit to the United States comes as technology industry leaders debate the pace of artificial intelligence development and the safeguards needed around increasingly powerful systems. The Australian prime minister noted that AI carries risks that require mitigation and called for an international framework governing the development and deployment of the technology.
“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,” Albanese stated, according to an official transcript.
The comments contrast with the position of US President Donald Trump, who has downplayed concerns about AI and argued against additional regulation of the industry. Australia’s social media measures and its approach to online safety have increasingly become part of a wider international discussion about protecting children while regulating major digital platforms.
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