Australian PM Stands Firm on Social Media Ban for Minors Despite Expected Pushback
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says he anticipates resistance from major social media companies as Australia moves forward with a landmark ban on children under 16 using platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and X, set to take effect in December. The ban, which has bipartisan backing, is expected to attract international attention and lobbying, particularly from U.S.-based tech giants. In fact, former U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration previously raised concerns on behalf of these companies during trade negotiations.
During a televised election debate ahead of the national vote on May 3, both Albanese and opposition leader Peter Dutton expressed unified support for tighter online regulations. They reaffirmed their commitment to legislation requiring tech companies to pay for local news content and to protect young users from online harms.
Albanese emphasized that his government will not soften its stance:
"This world-first social media ban, supported across party lines, is a strong move to protect our kids," he said on Nine Network. "We know the pressure is coming, but we will not waver."
Dutton echoed the sentiment, declaring that his Liberal-National coalition stands firmly with the Labor Party on this issue.
"Tech giants view children as nothing more than profit generators," he said. "We’ve fought hard to hold them accountable and create a safer digital space."
Dutton was named the winner of the debate by Nine’s panel, but polling still suggests he's trailing Albanese, with cost-of-living and housing concerns dominating voter priorities.
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