Communications Minister Anika Wells features in this year’s edition of Time magazine’s 100 Next list. Photo: Facebook.
Federal Communications Minister Anika Wells has made Time magazine and for all the right reasons, featuring in the prestigious journal’s list of the world’s most influential rising stars.
The Time 100 Next 2026 is the latest list of global players the magazine describes as “leaders who are shaping the future”.
Since the annual list launched in 2019, it has gained widespread recognition as a who’s who of people to watch and learn from.
Ms Wells is featured in the newly released edition for her leadership in driving Australia’s social media ban for under-16s and for continuing to stand up to global tech giants over their manipulation of algorithm feeds.
Former Labor Prime Minister Julia Gillard penned the testimonial accompanying a photo of Ms Wells in the Time 100 Next edition.
She describes the minister as courageous and trailblazing.
“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,” the testimonial says.
“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 centre 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.”
Actress Yerin Ha and pop singer Troye Sivan were other Australians included in the list.
Sivan was included under the ‘Advocates’ section, with a testimonial from pop princess Kylie Minogue.
“Fans recognise something very personal in him. They see magnified versions of themselves, complete with life’s challenges, wonders, and aha moments,” she wrote.
“To them, he’s a hero and confidante. Of course, Troye is also a dazzling north star of gay achievement. With each new record, he steps deeper into his true self, and we are here to celebrate his evolution.
“As a fellow Melburnian, I have loved watching his ascent to global renown. We so would’ve been friends in school.
“He’s a ‘beaut’ of Australia, beamed out to the world. Troye doesn’t just make pop music to love. He makes pop music to believe in.”
Ha was listed under the ‘Phenoms’ section of the list and received a testimonial from fellow Bridgerton actress Nicola Coughlan (also of Derry Girls fame).
“And when they found Yerin Ha, they really found an absolute diamond. Leading Bridgerton is a wonderful but intense experience,” she wrote.
“You feel the pressure because people love the show so much, but she never wilted. She dealt with it with such grace. She is someone who is so talented, and so brilliant at what she does.”
Ms Wells featured in the ‘Leaders’ section of the Time 100 Next 2026 list.
The minister’s social media ban for under-16s came into effect on 10 December 2025, resulting in the removal or deactivation of more than 4.7 million underage accounts.
It was a world-first move that has led other international jurisdictions to consider doing the same.
But some social media platforms are still under fire for not fully embracing the new laws, allowing children and young teenagers to find ways around them.
The Federal Government is now also seeking to mandate an opt-out provision so social media users can choose not to get constant algorithm feeds tailored to their online conversations and use.
