The momentum to raise the age of digital consent is growing. Australia’s decision has acted as a catalyst, signalling a broader global shift toward stronger child protection online. In 2026, many countries will be reviewing, debating, or passing new tech-related policies aimed at limiting children’s access to certain platforms or requiring stricter age assurance, safety-by-design measures, and corporate accountability. This policy wave will not happen in isolation it will trigger a series of ripple, or spiral, effects across the digital ecosystem.
