Anthony Albanese met Tim Cook in Cupertino to seek Apple’s support for Australia’s online safety plans.
Why it matters: The meeting shows Canberra trying to bring a global platform leader into its push for tighter rules on digital services. That could shape how big tech operates in Australia as the government drafts new standards.
- Albanese met Apple executive chairman Tim Cook in Cupertino on Sept. 20, 2026.
- Australia’s draft Digital Duty of Care laws would let users over 16 opt in or out of algorithmic feeds.
- The proposal would cover social media platforms, apps, online games, messaging platforms and AI chatbots.
- The government says it plans to introduce the legislation later in 2026 and has separately said it will set new AI standards by year-end.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese met Apple executive chairman Tim Cook in Cupertino on Sept. 20 and pressed for support for Canberra's online safety agenda, according to official Australian statements and reporting from Reuters via MarketScreener. Albanese had previewed the trip a day earlier in San Jose, saying he was looking forward to discussing child safety and new technology with Cook. Read his San Jose remarks
The main policy in focus is the draft Digital Duty of Care package, released on Sept. 8, 2026. Albanese said the proposal would give users over 16 the ability to opt in or out of algorithmic feeds and would require digital services, including apps and AI chatbots, to protect minors from harmful content and features. See the policy outline
ABC separately reported that Cook invited Albanese to Cupertino to discuss Apple's parental controls for children, which the government said were partly inspired by Australia's reforms. The government has said the legislation is intended to be introduced to Parliament later in 2026. Read ABC's report
Australia is also working on a broader AI framework. The government has said it will bring in new artificial intelligence standards by the end of 2026, though the Cupertino meeting centered on child safety and platform rules rather than a detailed AI policy announcement. See the AI framework announcement
By the numbers
- Sept. 20, 2026 - date of Albanese's meeting with Cook in Cupertino.
- Over 16 - age threshold in the draft Digital Duty of Care proposal for opting in or out of algorithmic feeds.
- End of 2026 - target for new Australian AI standards.
Yes, but: The AI policy link is broader than the specific Apple meeting, which focused more clearly on child safety and online platform rules.
What's next: Australia plans to introduce the Digital Duty of Care legislation later in 2026 and has said AI standards will follow by year-end.