Prime Minister Anthony Albanese anticipates facing pressure from social media companies regarding Australia’s upcoming ban on children accessing their platforms, with opposition leader Peter Dutton eager to align with him during an election debate on Tuesday. The Trump administration has already addressed this matter on behalf of these predominantly U.S.-based firms in the context of trade tariff discussions.
In the televised debate leading up to the national election on May 3, both Albanese and Dutton expressed strong support for legislation requiring social media companies to negotiate payments for local news featured on their platforms, while also implementing restrictions on access to X, Facebook, Instagram, and similar platforms for children under 16 starting in December.
Albanese asserted that his government would remain steadfast on this issue, stating, ‘The social media ban that Australia is implementing with bipartisan support is world-leading.’ He added, ‘There’s no doubt in my mind that as we approach December, significant pressure will be exerted by some social media giants.’ Dutton remarked that his Liberal and National coalition stands united with Albanese’s Labor Party on this matter, emphasizing that multinational tech companies view children merely as a profit source online. ‘We have worked diligently to hold these companies accountable,’ he stated, ‘to ensure a safer online environment and to compel major media companies to treat our children with the respect mandated by law, rather than allowing it to become a lawless environment.’
Following the debate, Nine’s panel declared Dutton the winner of the third leaders’ debate. However, opinion polls suggest that Dutton is trailing behind Albanese in a closely contested race, with cost-of-living issues and housing being the primary concerns for voters.
