Australia Seeks Big Tech Support for Internet Safety and AI Regulation

Australia is seeking greater cooperation from major technology companies as it moves to strengthen online safety rules and regulations for artificial intelligence (AI). Prime Minister Anthony Albanese raised the issue during a meeting with Apple Executive Chairman Tim Cook at Apple's headquarters in Cupertino, California. Albanese said Australia could not address the risks associated with children's online safety alone and that cooperation from major technology companies would be important. Australia has already introduced restrictions preventing children under 16 from using social media platforms. The government is now proposing a broader Digital Duty of Care, which would require online platforms to take measures to reduce foreseeable harm to users. The proposed legislation would also give Australians aged 16 and above greater control over algorithmically generated social-media feeds, including the ability to choose whether personalised recommendations are used as their default feed. Platforms that fail to meet the proposed requirements could face penalties of up to A$109.2 million. Albanese is also calling for international cooperation on AI regulation. Australia is developing national standards covering AI and large data centres, with proposals including safety and security requirements and potential reporting obligations for serious AI-related incidents. During his US visit, Albanese also urged the United States and China to cooperate on global AI rules, arguing that the rapid development of the technology requires international frameworks to ensure humans remain in control. Cook said Apple had shown Albanese new parental controls designed to help protect children online.