More than 20 countries are introducing or considering age restrictions on social media, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told the UN General Assembly on September 28.

Albanese said Australia’s decision last year to ban under-16s from social media had spurred wider action. The Australian law took effect in December 2025, with fines of up to A$49.5 million for platforms that fail to comply.

He said the UN’s mission could not be subcontracted to the world’s richest companies or dictated by the pace of technology.

French President Emmanuel Macron echoed the call, warning about the impact of digital technologies on children’s learning. The European Commission has proposed a ban for under-13s.

Other countries moving include Canada, Greece, Indonesia, Malaysia, Portugal, Turkey, Brazil and the UK. In India, Karnataka has banned social media for under-16s.

Macron also warned that debates over artificial intelligence should not be left to the United States, China and a handful of companies. Albanese’s office said more than 20 countries are either introducing or considering age restrictions.