PM urges US tech giants to compete on online safety

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is urging US tech giants to prioritize online safety ahead of meetings with Apple executives in California. This follows a conversation in June about a world-leading ban on social media for individuals under 16, which Apple has reportedly incorporated into its parental control features.

Albanese will witness Apple's demonstration of safety measures at the company's headquarters. He asserts that these measures prove tech firms can enhance online safety, setting a precedent for the industry. Albanese emphasizes Australia's role in leading global efforts for children's safety online, stating that addressing this issue requires ongoing innovation.

During his US visit, he will also discuss Apple's investments in Australian television, a requirement set by Australian laws passed in 2025. Additionally, digital safety will be a topic at the United Nations, where Albanese will advocate for a digital duty of care and opt-out options for algorithmic feeds on social media. National standards for AI companies, including renewable energy requirements for data centers, are also expected to be part of Albanese's agenda.

The Australian leader stresses the need to shape AI use for humanity's benefit, beyond national boundaries, stressing the importance of discussing this at the multilateral level. Albanese is also set to receive an Atlantic Council Global Citizen Award for his contributions to security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.