Anika Wells Is on the 2026 TIME100 Next - Time Magazine

As the world grapples with the extraordinary power of social media and the increasingly pervasive role it plays, Anika Wells has emerged as one of the most significant voices in a growing global movement to reframe the relationship between technology and the well-being of our children. As Australia’s Communications Minister, she has championed world-leading reforms to protect young people from the harms of social media. Even in the face of intense opposition from some of the world’s largest tech companies, she remains steadfast.

Guided by the vital objective of protecting our children and their future, she has overseen the introduction of online safety measures—including rules supporting Australia’s social media minimum-age policy—that are designed to better protect young people. It has placed Australia at the center of conversation on online safety, accountability, and the responsibilities of Big Tech.

Future generations will look back on her landmark changes as courageous and trail-blazing.