Tim Cook Praises Australia’s Social Media Rules as ‘World-Leading’

September 21, 2026:

Tim Cook Praises Australia’s Social Media Rules as ‘World-Leading’

Australia’s approach to social media regulation has received praise from Apple Executive Chair Tim Cook as the country expands efforts to improve online safety.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Cook described Australia’s measures as “world-leading” during their meeting at Apple Park in California.

The discussion covered social media safety, parental controls and the growing need for international conversations about artificial intelligence.

Australia Tightens Social Media Rules

Steve Jobs and Tim Cook — Tim Cook, Chief Operating Officer, Apple CEO Steve Jobs and Phil Schiller, EVP Product Marketing, answers questions after Jobs introduced new versions of the iMac and iLife applications August 7, 2007 in Cupertino, California. The all-in-one desktop computers now have a slimmer design in aluminum casings with faster chips and glossy screens and is up to $300 cheaper then their predecessors.
David Paul Morris/Getty Images

According to Reuters, Australia has introduced several measures aimed at giving users more control over their online experiences.

The country recently announced plans to give social media users greater control over the content shown in their feeds. It has also taken a stricter approach to children’s access to social platforms.

Australia became the first country to ban social media access for children under 16. The measure took effect in December.

The policy has attracted attention from governments overseas. The European Commission, for example, recently proposed restricting social media access for children under 13.

Tim Cook Discusses Apple’s Safety Features

According to Albanese, Cook spent considerable time discussing Australia’s work on online safety during their meeting.

An Apple spokesperson pointed to a post from Cook after the discussion. Cook said he was pleased to share some of Apple’s latest innovations with the Australian prime minister.

The features include tools intended to help parents and children manage their digital experiences.

The meeting also came shortly after Cook moved from his long-standing role as Apple CEO to executive chair. He had led the technology company for 15 years.

Apple’s parental controls and other safety features are part of a wider industry effort to give families more ways to manage children’s online activity.

Albanese Pushes For Global AI Rules

Artificial intelligence was another major topic during the meeting.

Albanese said AI is developing rapidly and that its growing capabilities also create risks that governments need to consider.

He called for a global discussion on rules governing the deployment of AI. He also emphasized the importance of keeping humans in control as artificial intelligence becomes more capable.

Based on his statement, the central question is how AI can continue developing while risks associated with increasingly powerful systems are addressed.

Australia’s Role in the AI Regulation Debate

Albanese’s position contrasts with that of U.S. President Donald Trump, who has questioned the need for additional AI regulation.

Australia has instead called for international discussions about a framework for managing AI-related risks.

The difference reflects a larger global debate over AI regulation, technology governance and online safety. Governments are still considering how much oversight should apply as AI becomes more widely used.

Australia’s social media policies have already drawn international attention. Its approach to AI governance is also contributing to discussions about responsible technology development.

Notably, the social media ban was one of the most controversial topics in Australia. The Senate, however, said that ChatGPT-fabricated citations supported this action.

Social Media Safety and AI Regulation

The meeting between Albanese and Cook highlights two closely connected technology issues.

Australia is taking a firm approach to children’s online safety through social media restrictions. At the same time, its government is calling for international cooperation on AI.

Earlier this month, Australia introduced the Algorithm Opt-Out law.

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