Australia is presenting itself as a global leader in protecting children and other vulnerable users from online harms, as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese seeks international backing for tougher regulation of social media and artificial intelligence. After introducing a ban on social media accounts for under-16s, Australia is proposing a broader digital duty of care and giving users the ability to reject algorithmic recommendations, arguing that coordinated international pressure is needed to curb powerful technology companies.

The under-16 ban has reportedly led to the closure of up to 5 million Australian accounts, while France, Brazil and Indonesia are considering similar measures. A DemosAU poll found 66% of Australians supported allowing users to opt out of algorithms, compared with 13% opposed, although concerns remain over the country’s rapid data-centre expansion, energy demands and possible compromises on copyright rules to attract AI investment. Academics broadly recognise Australia’s influence, but caution that its claim to be uniquely “world-leading” may be overstated, given comparable action in Europe under the Digital Services Act.