Anika Wells named to Time magazine's list of 100 rising global leaders
Communications Minister Anika Wells made Time magazine's 100 emerging leaders list. She was recognized for driving Australia's social media ban for under-16s.
Anika Wells appears in Time magazine's 100 Next 2026 list of future leaders. Wells was recognized for driving Australia's social media ban for under-16s.
She also stood up to global tech companies about how they use algorithms. Former Prime Minister Julia Gillard wrote Wells's endorsement.
Gillard called her courageous and trail-blazing in a growing global movement. The social media minimum-age policy took effect on December 10, 2025.
More than 4.7 million underage accounts were removed or closed. Other Australians in this year's Time list include actress Yerin Ha and pop singer Troye Sivan.
Wells's inclusion puts Australia at the heart of worldwide discussions on online safety. It shows how Australia's approach shapes Big Tech responsibility and child protection standards.
- December 10, 2025
- Policy date
- 4.7 million
- Accounts removed or deactivated
- Yerin Ha, Troye Sivan
- Other Australians on list
- 2019
- List launched
Why it mattersGlobal recognition of Australia's social media rules shows how the policy shapes worldwide safety standards and child protection measures.
AustraliaThe federal government's social media ban is now framed as a world-leading policy attracting international attention and peer support from other countries considering similar measures.
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