Australia is taking its fight with Big Tech global. Communications Minister Anika Wells announced that the country will seek a global coalition of nations to force tech giants to reduce online harm to children — and is preparing to sue some of the world’s biggest platforms at home.
Wells, speaking in a Bloomberg interview published Wednesday, said she has held talks with counterparts in Malaysia, the Philippines, New Zealand, Canada, Sweden and the UK, with more lined up. “These are the most resourced, powerful companies in the world… It’s going to take a coalition of lawmakers working together across the globe to take them on,” she said.
At home, Australia expects to sue Meta (Facebook/Instagram), TikTok, Snapchat and YouTube in the Federal Court over alleged breaches of its world-first under-16 social media ban, in force since around 2025. The eSafety Commissioner investigated the five platforms from March; a July assessment found many under-16s could still access or open accounts due to ineffective age verification.
The government has raised maximum penalties to A$109.2 million (about US$76 million) and given the eSafety Commissioner power to demand internal documents and compel staff testimony.
Separately, a proposed “Digital Duty of Care” bill would require platforms — including AI chatbots — to build safety into products by design, including an opt-out from recommendation algorithms. Australia’s under-16 ban, now nearly a year old, has already inspired similar restrictions or minimum-age plans in dozens of countries — and now Canberra wants the world to join the fight. Read about OpenAI’s Google Cloud deal and Australia’s 99 all out.
Bhudev Bhagaliya is an experienced and senior journalist who has carved a distinct niche for himself in the world of Hindi journalism through his profound understanding and precise writing style. With over two decades of experience in the field of journalism, he has held key responsibilities at Dainik Hindustan for 12 years and at Amar Ujala for one year. Currently, he serves as the Content Editor for the Jagrook Youth News newspaper and portal, where he plays a crucial role in ensuring the quality and credibility of the news content. Bhudev Bhagaliya consistently writes about issues that help raise awareness within society and among the younger generation.