{
  "id": 14746413,
  "title": "Australia says won’t let big tech have ‘unfettered’ access to kids",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/15/australia-says-wont-let-big-tech-have-unfettered-access-to-kids-14746413",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-15T16:55:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "KahawaTungu",
    "slug": "kahawatungu",
    "url": "https://kahawatungu.com/australia-says-wont-let-big-tech-have-unfettered-access-to-kids/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Australia announced on Thursday its refusal to permit major technology companies to have \"unfettered\" access to its young citizens, introducing new legislation aimed at granting users control over their online feeds. The center-left Labor government's \"Digital Duty of Care\" bill mandates that companies behind popular platforms like Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram provide users with the option to bypass the algorithms determining online content. These firms will also bear direct responsibility for safeguarding minors from harmful content such as pornography, cyberbullying, glorification of crime, and eating disorders. Communications Minister Anika Wells, speaking at the National Press Club in Canberra, emphasized that \"big tech has been allowed to test its products on Australians,\" arguing that \"if you build it, you are responsible for its risks.\" Wells firmly believes that Australia's minimum age for social media usage will be viewed with disbelief in the future. However, the bill's passage through the senate will be challenging, as it requires support from the left-wing Greens, while the conservative opposition has pledged to vehemently oppose the measure, alleging that it grants excessive government control over speech. Wells dismissed such concerns, asserting that the legislation does not restrict free speech or conduct covert surveillance, instead focusing on platforms' actions online. Australia had previously restricted access to social media apps for children under 16, but usage among under-16s has been rising despite the ban. Several nations, including New Zealand, the UK, France, and Turkey, are considering adopting similar measures.",
  "summary": "Australia said Thursday it refused to allow big tech to have “unfettered” access to its kids as it formally introduced new legislation that would give users choice over what they see on their feeds. Under the centre-left Labor government’s “Digital Duty of Care” bill, firms behind popular platforms such as Facebook, TikTok and Instagram will [...] The post Australia says won’t let big tech have…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}