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During a major move for digital policy, Australia has enacted a pioneering prohibition on social media use for users under the age of 16. The step has been hailed by the country's Prime Minister as a "historic day" and heralded by the online safety chief as a reform the "world will follow."

An Historic Change Takes Effect

Speaking at Kirribilli House, the nation's leader the PM declared the ban represented Australia showing "enough is enough." He characterised it as a "world-leading reform" that would "transform lives" for Australian youth and offer families with "greater peace of mind."

"This is indeed a proud day to be Australian. For make no mistake – this reform will change lives," the Prime Minister remarked. "This is a significant measure which will continue to reverberate around the globe."

eSafety Commissioner Makes Parallels to Previous Societal Campaigns

Julie Inman Grant, speaking on the prohibition's implementation, likened the social media measures to past Australian leadership on public health issues.

"Nations globally will emulate our lead like nations once adopted our lead on plain tobacco labels, gun control, water safety," the Commissioner said. "Why wouldn't you emulate a nation clearly placing youth well-being ahead of tech profits?"

She voiced certainty that social media companies have the "technological capability" to adhere with the new requirements.

Mixed Compliance from Platforms

As the ban came into effect, checks revealed inconsistent compliance from different social media services. Findings indicated that platforms such as Twitch and Reddit were at that time allowing profiles to be registered with ages set for users aged fourteen.

In comparison, other major platforms including Instagram, TikTok, X, and Kick blocked registrations for under-16s. Communications Minister responsible, the Minister, noted the system was "developing" and stressed that platforms would be required to "routinely check" for underage accounts ongoing.

Other National News

This day of news also included a number of other notable developments across the country:

• Opposition Immigration Policy: Opposition MPs were set to meet to debate migration approaches, with reports pointing to a focus on speeding up the processing of protection applications and expanding removals.
• Aboriginal Child Protection: A new report found "obscene" rates of Indigenous children still taken from their families, advocating a fundamental change to the family services framework.
• Mining Magnate Helipad Blocked: The Perth City Council voted against a bid by Gina Rinehart's company to install a corporate helipad on its planned office, citing noise issues and possible effects on new apartment construction.
• New South Wales Fire Electricity Cut: Homeowners impacted by a recent New South Wales wildfire questioned an energy provider's choice to proceed with a scheduled electricity outage during the fire event, which they claimed affected their ability to protect their homes.

Global Response and Looking Ahead

This Australian measure has already drawn notice overseas. Former U.S. official the former Chicago mayor, who served as senior adviser to President Obama, posted a message urging the United States to "pick up its game" and adopt a comparable restriction.

With the new rule currently in force, its roll-out, compliance, and wider societal impact will be closely monitored both at home and globally.