With just weeks to go before Australia’s federal election, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition Leader Peter Dutton have both pledged unwavering support for new age restrictions on social media use, despite anticipated resistance from major tech companies.

In a televised leaders’ debate, Albanese confirmed the government will proceed with plans to restrict access to platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter) for users under the age of 16, starting in December. He warned that pressure from global tech firms to soften the legislation is expected in the lead-up to implementation, but said the government would not yield.

“This policy has bipartisan backing and represents a global first,” Albanese said. “We are prepared for significant pushback, but we will not back down.”

Dutton, leader of the Liberal and National coalition, aligned himself with the government’s position, stating his party is “on a unity ticket” with Labor. He accused international tech companies of prioritizing profits over child safety, describing their treatment of young users as exploitative.

“We’ve worked hard to hold these companies accountable and ensure the digital environment is safer for our children,” Dutton said. “This is about enforcing respect and legal standards in a space that’s become far too unregulated.”

Both leaders also reiterated their support for legislation requiring digital platforms to compensate Australian media outlets for news content shared on their services.

The debate, held on the Nine Network, was the third of the campaign. A panel of commentators declared Dutton the winner of the night, though recent polling suggests Albanese remains narrowly ahead in what continues to be a close race dominated by cost-of-