Key facts
- Anika Wells, Australia's federal communications minister, was named on Time magazine's "world's most influential rising stars" list.
- The recognition is for her work on Australia's under-16 social media ban and efforts to regulate big tech.
- Former Labor prime minister Julia Gillard praised Wells for championing reforms to protect young people from social media harms.
- Wells is also working on a digital duty of care framework to allow users to opt out of algorithms.
- Musicians Sombr and PinkPantheress, soccer player Folarin Balogun, US Senator Andy Kim, Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten, and James Blair were also named on the list.
Federal Communications Minister Anika Wells has been recognized on Time magazine's "world's most influential rising stars" list for her work on Australia's social media restrictions for minors and her efforts to regulate big tech companies. The inclusion highlights Australia's pioneering approach to online safety, which has drawn international attention and inspired similar measures in Europe, Asia, and some U.S. states.
Former Labor prime minister Julia Gillard wrote a testimonial for Wells, praising her for championing "world-leading reforms to protect young people from the harms of social media" and calling her "steadfast" in the face of opposition from tech giants. Gillard described Wells' changes as "courageous and trail-blazing."
Wells, who is also the minister for sport, responded by saying, "In Brisbane we know premierships are won by the whole team, not one player." She is currently developing a digital duty of care framework aimed at allowing social media users to opt out of algorithms that promote divisive content, a move that has also faced opposition from tech companies and political opponents.
Shadow Communications Minister Sarah Henderson criticized the social media ban, stating that "Australians don’t judge ministers by glossy magazine lists, they judge them by their actions." Henderson claimed the ban had "failed" and accused the government of seeking "draconian powers to control what Australians say and see online."
Other notable individuals named on the Time100 list alongside Wells include musicians Sombr and PinkPantheress, soccer player Folarin Balogun, U.S. Senator Andy Kim, Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten, and Donald Trump's political advisor James Blair. Australian musician Troye Sivan was also included on the "influential rising stars" list, with a testimonial from Kylie Minogue.