Sunday, September 20, 2026
News

"Need to shape technology rather than allow it to shape us": Australian PM Albanese seeks Big Tech support for internet safety, AI regulation

SocialTwist Tell-a-Friend    Print this Page   COMMENT

California | September 20, 2026 2:01:00 PM IST
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese met Apple Executive Chairman Tim Cook at Apple Park in Cupertino, United States, and discussed online safety measures, including Australias social media age ban, digital duty of care and AI standards.

According to a media release issued on Sunday (local time) by the Australian Prime Ministers Office, Albanese on Saturday (local time) witnessed a demonstration of Apples new tools that allow parents to manage the content their children can see, who they can communicate with and when they have access to apps.

Albanese and Cook also discussed Australias work to introduce new laws aimed at creating a safer online environment by setting legally enforceable minimum safety standards.

In a post on X, Albanese said, We all have a responsibility to make the online world safer for our kids. Its a belief @tim_cook, and I share. Today at Apple HQ, we spoke about what were doing to protect children from online harm and the work ahead."

https://x.com/AlboMP/status/2101407425136091466

In another post, Albanese said, Were making sure technology works for Australians. Not the other way around.

https://x.com/AlboMP/status/2101453996053389331

In a video attached to the post, Albanese said, Technology can bring enormous benefits, as it has. But we need to shape it rather than allow it to shape us. How do we make sure, with any new technology, humans need to be in control? And that's a theme of all of the actions that we are taking: whether it's the social media ban, whether it is the digital duty of care, or whether it be the AI Australian standards. How do we make sure that people are in control, rather than the technology in control of us?

The Australian Government said that Australians would also benefit from better protection from seriously harmful and illegal content across digital services, while social media users would be afforded more choice.

Albanese said in the media release, Australia is proud to lead the world with our social media age ban and online safety approach.

Walking through Apple Park today and seeing these new safety features in action proves that when we draw a line in the sand, tech companies will step up, he said.

Tim Cook and Apple are showing that the industry can, and must, compete on safety credentials, not just convenience, Albanese added.

Cook, in a post on X, said, It was great to welcome @AlboMP to Apple Park this morning to talk about the incredible work of our teams and our longstanding commitment to Australia. I was grateful to share some of our newest innovations, including strong and intuitive controls to help keep kids safe online.

https://x.com/tim_cook/status/2101406985111687362

The Australian Government said it would continue working with stakeholders, including technology companies, to improve online safety and provide Australians with more choice.

Albanese is also scheduled to continue discussions on online safety with international leaders in New York during the United Nations General Assembly High-Level Week. The 81st UNGA High-Level Week began on Friday and will continue through September 28. (ANI)

 
  LATEST COMMENTS ()
POST YOUR COMMENT
Comments Not Available
 
POST YOUR COMMENT
 
 
TRENDING TOPICS
 
 
CITY NEWS
MORE CITIES
 
 
 
MORE WORLD NEWS
Yudh Abhyas 2026: Indian, US armies cond...
Trump announces AI Force, plans to app...
Four crude bombs explode in Dhakas Jatr...
West Asia tensions soar; Trump cuts shor...
New front in West Asia; Trump mulls opti...
'No signs of a message' from US, says Ir...
More...
 
INDIA WORLD ASIA
'I will question Vijay if he fails to pe...
'This place represents dream of Saraswat...
'Nobody has faith on Election Commission...
BJPs NV Subhash slams Rahul Gandhi over...
Vinayagar idol immersion held in Chennai...
2 pistols, carbine recovered from slain ...
More...    
 
 Top Stories
ICAI issues SSA 5000 to align susta... 
"Deeply shameful": BJP's Satish Poo... 
BJP leader Karunasagar slams former... 
“I get to bring my mother, brother ... 
Uttarakhand CM Dhami joins women in... 
"Only job left for him": Maharashtr... 
"12 years of hard work paid off": E... 
"Rahul Gandhi should know importanc...