Albanese seeks tech support for child safety and AI rules

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese met Apple CEO Tim Cook at Cupertino headquarters on Saturday and said "Australia can't do it alone" on protecting children from online harm. Cook said he shared new controls to help keep kids safe online. Albanese, in the United States for the United Nations General Assembly, said his government is making technology work for Australians and putting stronger online safety rules in place. Draft legislation unveiled this month would impose a duty of care on Facebook, TikTok and Instagram and let users turn off recommendation algorithms. It is due in parliament later this year after consultation with platforms, industry and civil society. Australia banned under-16s from social media in 2025, yet data last month found they continued using Instagram and TikTok. New AI standards are planned by year-end. The Liberal-National Coalition opposes the bill in its current form, saying it contains inadequate safeguards for free speech and journalism and leaves too much power with the Communications Minister. The government continues consultation toward a later-year introduction.