At a media briefing, Prime Minister Albanese confirmed that the proposed law would prohibit children under the age of sixteen from accessing social media platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat even with parental consent.

The government’s plan will hold technology companies accountable for enforcing the age restrictions, with strict verification measures expected to be included in the legislation.

“This is about protecting the mental health and wellbeing of our young people,” Albanese said. “We’ve seen the impact of social media on anxiety, bullying, and self esteem, and it’s time for stronger action.”

The draft legislation is expected to be introduced in Parliament before the end of the year, with the ban slated to take effect twelve months after the law is passed.

Tech industry groups and privacy advocates have called for detailed consultation to ensure the measures are effective without compromising user data security.

The move follows growing international debate about the effects of social media on youth, with other nations closely watching Australia’s legislative progress.

The development marks a potential turning point in years of tech-related tension between the world’s two largest economies.

President Trump, speaking to reporters outside the White House, said, “We’ve made great progress with China, and I will be meeting President Xi on Friday to finalize what I believe is a fair deal one that protects American users and our national interests.”

Details of the Framework Still Emerging

While the full scope of the agreement remains under wraps, sources familiar with the negotiations say it involves data security guarantees, operational transparency, and partial U.S. oversight of TikTok’s algorithms and content moderation policies. A U.S. based data partner may also be appointed as part of the deal to handle American user information a key sticking point in prior disputes.

A Strategic Shift

TikTok, owned by Beijing-based tech company ByteDance, has been under intense scrutiny by U.S. lawmakers and regulators for years over data privacy and national security concerns. Trump, who previously attempted to ban the app via executive order during his first term, has reintroduced the issue as a central part of his second term digital policy platform.

President Xi, meanwhile, has framed the negotiations as part of a broader effort to stabilize U.S.–China trade and tech relations. Chinese state media has cautiously welcomed the “framework agreement,” calling it a sign of “mutual respect and pragmatic diplomacy.”

What’s Next

The Friday meeting between the two presidents is expected to take place on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Singapore. If successful, the finalized agreement could open the door to a new regulatory model for foreign-owned tech platforms operating in the U.S.

Analysts warn, however, that opposition from lawmakers in both countries particularly over sovereignty and digital surveillance could still complicate implementation.