Technology giant Apple was “inspired” by Australia’s world-leading under-16s social media ban just months after the measure drew consternation in Silicon Valley, CEO Tim Cook has revealed in a personal call with Anthony Albanese.
In a press release, Apple said it was introducing a suite of features designed to allow parents to “more easily manage the content their children can see, who they can communicate with, and when they have access to apps”.
“Parents will be able to access new child safety features, including a simpler set up experience with a recommended set of essential apps, Ask to Browse, Time Allowances, and a redesigned Screen Time,” the statement said.
Apple CEO Tim Cooks says tech giant ‘inspired’ by Australia social media ban. Picture: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images/AFP
Mr Albanese said he was briefed on the updates in a call from Mr Cook.
“Mr Cook told me these changes are in part inspired by Australia’s world-leading social media age ban, as well as the continued research Apple is undertaking into the impact of social media on kids,” he said.
“I welcome this announcement, and I am proud of the world leading work Australia is doing to fight for a safer online world for our children.”
Mr Albanese said he was invited by Mr Cook to Apple’s headquarters the next time he was in the United States.
“I plan to take up that offer so we can keep learning how best to protect our kids,” he said.
Australia’s social media ban was pushed by the Let Them Be Kids campaign, and saw children banned from 10 major social media platforms, including Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.
Mr Albanese acknowledged the government had “a long way to go”, with eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman-Grant revealing during Senate estimates no compliance action had been taken against social media sites as the online watchdog worked to verify disenrollment numbers.
“However, we are now seeing a number of nations follow Australia’s lead and take forward their own social media age bans,” he said.
The features will be included in the company’s Autumn software update. Picture: Andrew Harnik/Getty Images/AFP
“Australian parents led this effort, and we are proud to back them. We have already seen more than 5 million under-16s accounts removed, deactivated or restricted.
“Social media companies have a social responsibility, and we make no apology for holding them to account to help keep kids safe.”
A number of countries have either pledged to implement, or are in the process of attempting to legislate, a social media ban including Malaysia, France, and Spain.
As part of the update, Apple has launched a dedicated website for parents to help guide the implementation of its new child safety measures.
Apple’s vice president of Health and Fitness Sumbul Desai, said the Silicon Valley juggernaut’s approach was to help families “create safer digital experiences is grounded in the belief that every child is unique”.
“That’s why we build simple and intuitive tools, based on expert guidance, to let parents tailor their kids’ digital journey,” she said.
“Today, we’re introducing major updates to help families thoughtfully establish age-based protections and develop healthy digital habits.”
