U.S. billionaire Elon Musk, owner of social media platform X, has criticised Australia's proposed law to ban social media for children under 16 and fine social media platforms of up to A$49.5 million ($32 million) for companies for systemic breaches.
Australia's centre-left government on Thursday introduced the bill in parliament. It plans to try an age-verification system to enforce a social media age cut-off, some of the toughest controls imposed by any country to date.
"Seems like a backdoor way to control access to the Internet by all Australians," Musk, who views himself as a champion of free speech, said in a reply late on Thursday to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's post on X about the bill.
Several countries have already vowed to curb social media use by children through legislation, but Australia's policy could become one of the most stringent with no exemption for parental consent and pre-existing accounts.
France last year proposed a ban on social media for those under 15 but allowed parental consent, while the U.S. has for decades required technology companies to seek parental consent to access the data of children under 13.
Musk has previously clashed with Australia's centre-left Labor government over its social media policies and had called it "fascists" over its misinformation law.
In April, X went to an Australian court to challenge a cyber regulator's order for the removal of some posts about the stabbing of a bishop in Sydney, prompting Albanese to call Musk an "arrogant billionaire".
NATO's top transformation commander has issued a stark warning: Europe risks being left behind in the increasingly militarized space race, outpaced by private players like Elon Musk and strategic rivals such as China and Russia.
Elon Musk announced he will sharply reduce his involvement in the Trump administration’s Department of Government Efficiency starting next month, shifting focus back to Tesla amid mounting investor pressure and falling sales.
Elon Musk announced on Saturday that he plans to visit India later this year, following a discussion with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi about potential collaboration in technology and innovation.
Tech billionaire Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, made direct appeals to U.S. President Donald Trump over the weekend to reverse newly imposed tariffs, according to a report from the Washington Post.
A jury trial in the lawsuit filed by billionaire Elon Musk against OpenAI will begin in spring 2026, as determined by U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers on Friday.
The Israeli army's violation of the Lebanon border with tanks and armored vehicles has led to a breach of the ceasefire agreement. Israeli soldiers approached within 100 meters of the Lebanese army stationed near the Alma al-Shab village and began creating soil barriers in the area.
Countries will meet at the United Nations this week to discuss the regulation of AI-controlled autonomous weapons, which are increasingly used in modern warfare. Experts warn that failing to regulate this new technology could lead to serious risks, and time is running out.
Violent Clashes in Tripoli: Head of Stability Support Forces Killed
India has fired a series of missiles into Pakistani-controlled territory, in what it has described as “Operation Sindoor”
For the first time in history, an American has been chosen to lead the Catholic Church, as Cardinal Robert Prevost is named pope.
A Rafale fighter jet operated by the Indian Air Force has reportedly been shot down for the first time in combat, according to sources cited by CNN, marking a significant and symbolic development in the ongoing escalation between India and Pakistan.
Pope Leo XIV made a surprise visit to the Basilica of Our Lady of Good Counsel in Genazzano. AnewZ covered the event, with journalist Maria Rodriguez Abalde on-site. She witnessed the occasion firsthand and documented key moments. More images and footage will be available soon.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for May 13th , covering the latest developments you need to know.
The Israeli army's violation of the Lebanon border with tanks and armored vehicles has led to a breach of the ceasefire agreement. Israeli soldiers approached within 100 meters of the Lebanese army stationed near the Alma al-Shab village and began creating soil barriers in the area.
Countries will meet at the United Nations this week to discuss the regulation of AI-controlled autonomous weapons, which are increasingly used in modern warfare. Experts warn that failing to regulate this new technology could lead to serious risks, and time is running out.
Violent Clashes in Tripoli: Head of Stability Support Forces Killed
The Israeli army's violation of the Lebanon border with tanks and armored vehicles has led to a breach of the ceasefire agreement. Israeli soldiers approached within 100 meters of the Lebanese army stationed near the Alma al-Shab village and began creating soil barriers in the area.
Countries will meet at the United Nations this week to discuss the regulation of AI-controlled autonomous weapons, which are increasingly used in modern warfare. Experts warn that failing to regulate this new technology could lead to serious risks, and time is running out.
Violent Clashes in Tripoli: Head of Stability Support Forces Killed
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