SYDNEY (Reuters) - Australia Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on Sunday that criticism by Elon Musk of Australia's social media ban on children under 16 was the X owner pushing an agenda for the social platform, while indicating he was open to talk to the billionaire about the ban, legislated this week.

Australia Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on Monday social media firms would be required to destroy personal data used to verify ages of users, as part of what the government says is a world-leading ban on under-16s using the services.

Australian lawmakers have passed a bill banning the use of social media by children under 16. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called the legislation a "world-leading action" to prevent the psychological harm social media can cause minors.

Elon Musk last month said Australia's new law banning under-16s from joining social media was a "backdoor way" to control "access to the internet." Musk is the owner of X, formerly Twitter, and close to Donald Trump.

By Alasdair Pal SYDNEY (Reuters) -Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on Friday that social media platforms now have a responsibility to ensure the safety of children, after the country's parliament passed a bill banning those under the age of 16 from using the services.

Australia Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on Sunday that criticism by Elon Musk of Australia’s social media ban on children under 16 was the X owner pushing an agenda

Australia’s new law banning social media access for those under 16 has ignited a fierce debate with Elon Musk, who claims it undermines internet freedom. As govt seeks to protect children, concerns about implementation and Big Tech's accountability come to the forefront.