Anika Wells recognised for championing Australia’s under-16 social media ban

Australian communications minister Anika Wells has been named on Time’s list of influential rising stars, recognised for championing Australia’s ban on social media accounts for under-16s and challenging major technology companies. The recognition highlights the global interest in Australia’s restrictions, while debate continues over whether the ban is effective and how it is enforced.

Former prime minister Julia Gillard praised Wells for reforms aimed at protecting young people, while Wells credited her team. She is also developing a digital duty of care framework that would let users opt out of recommendation algorithms; the proposal has drawn opposition from technology companies and political opponents. Opposition communications spokesperson Sarah Henderson called the ban a failure and criticised the proposed online powers.