Apple’s Child-Safety Controls Inspired by Australia’s Social Media Ban
Apple has acknowledged Australia’s pioneering social media ban for under-16s as a key influence in developing new child-safety features for its devices. This recognition comes amid ongoing debates about the effectiveness of the policy, which has drawn both support and criticism from various stakeholders.
During a phone call with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Apple CEO Tim Cook highlighted that the company’s recent announcement of enhanced parental controls was partly inspired by Australia’s approach to restricting access to social media for younger users. The prime minister’s office confirmed the conversation, noting that Cook also shared insights from Apple’s internal research on the impact of social media on children.
The new safety tools, unveiled at Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference, include several features aimed at promoting healthier digital habits among children. These updates will be rolled out through future software releases, such as iOS 27, iPadOS 27, and macOS 27. Key additions include:
- A simplified setup process for child accounts
- A “Ask to Browse” feature that requires children to request permission before accessing websites via Safari
- “Time Allowances” to limit time spent on apps categorized as games or social media
Apple is also overhauling its Screen Time dashboard and expanding its Communication Safety features. This includes blocking violent and gory images detected in Messages and FaceTime, building upon existing protections against nudity.
Sumbul Desai, Apple’s vice president of health and fitness, emphasized that the company’s approach is centered on creating personalized digital experiences for each child. She stated, “Our approach to helping families create safer digital experiences is grounded in the belief that every child is unique.”
Prime Minister Albanese welcomed Apple’s initiative and used it to reinforce his government’s stance on the social media ban, which came into effect on December 10. He noted that over 5 million accounts held by under-16s had been removed, deactivated, or restricted since the policy took effect. Albanese also mentioned that several countries are considering similar measures, highlighting the global influence of Australia’s approach.
However, the effectiveness of the ban remains a topic of discussion. While eSafety reported a 37% decline in under-16s holding social media accounts by March, nearly 70% of surveyed parents claimed their children still had an account on a major platform. No platforms have faced fines under the law.
eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant has expressed reservations about the outright ban, calling it a “very blunt force approach.” She has previously stated she is “not really keen on it,” indicating concerns about the policy’s practicality and long-term impact.
Apple’s child-safety features are device-level parental controls rather than account-level restrictions. Unlike the Australian law, which places legal obligations on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat to remove under-16s, Apple’s tools require parents to activate and enforce them.
The new features are part of a broader focus at Apple’s developer conference, where the company showcased advancements in its Siri voice assistant and other AI tools. Some of the parental controls extend longstanding features, suggesting a strategic move to stay ahead of potential regulatory changes in the tech sector.
Cook’s endorsement of Australia’s social media ban occurs as the policy faces scrutiny within the country. Despite the government’s claims of success, critics argue that the approach may not fully address the complexities of online safety for children.
As Apple prepares for a leadership transition, with Cook stepping down as CEO in September, the company continues to emphasize its commitment to child safety. John Ternus, Apple’s head of hardware engineering, will take over as CEO, signaling a shift in the company’s direction while maintaining its focus on user well-being.
