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Trump slams Australia’s social media crackdown as ‘extortion’

US President Donald Trump has condemned Australia’s recent moves to clamp down on social media – predominantly run by American tech companies – as “a…

By Samantha Johnson / September 9, 2026

US President Donald Trump has condemned Australia’s recent moves to clamp down on social media – predominantly run by American tech companies – as “a form of extortion”, hinting at more threats to come.

“President Trump has unequivocally warned trading partners against imposing digital services taxes, fines, and other forms of extortion on America’s leading technology sector,” White House economics spokesman Kush Desai said on Tuesday night, as reported by news.com.au.

“The administration remains committed to raising these issues with our trading partners.”

Under the new “My Feed, My Way” initiative announced by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Tuesday, Australians would have the option to opt out of powerful social media algorithms. Draft legislation introducing a mandatory “digital duty of care” is expected to be introduced to parliament this week.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Minister for Communications Anika Wells speak at a press conference discussing the country’s social media ban for under-16s, in Canberra, Australia, in June. Photo: Reuters
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Minister for Communications Anika Wells speak at a press conference discussing the country’s social media ban for under-16s, in Canberra, Australia, in June. Photo: Reuters

“We want to give Australians more choice over what they see on their social media feeds,” Communications Minister Anika Wells told national broadcaster ABC on Monday.

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