🔗 Share this article

In a major development for online regulation, the nation has implemented a landmark ban on social networking use for users under the age of 16. The step has been championed by its country's leader as a "historic day" and predicted by the online safety chief as a reform the "international community will follow."

An Historic Change Takes Effect

Speaking at the Prime Minister's Sydney residence, Prime Minister the PM declared the ban represented Australia showing "the line has been drawn." He characterised it as a "world-leading reform" that would "transform lives" for Australian children and offer families with "greater peace of mind."

"It is indeed a historic day to be Australian. Because make no mistake – this reform will alter lives," he remarked. "It's a profound reform which will continue to echo around the globe."

eSafety Commissioner Makes Parallels to Past Public Health Campaigns

Julie Inman Grant, speaking on the prohibition's start, likened the online platform restrictions to historic Australian leadership on public health issues.

"The world will follow like nations once followed our example on plain tobacco labels, gun reform, water safety," she said. "How can you not follow a country so visibly prioritising teen safety ahead of tech revenue?"

She expressed certainty that social media firms have the "technical ability" to comply with the new obligations.

Mixed Compliance from Platforms

While the prohibition began, tests revealed mixed adherence from various online platforms. Reports suggested that sites such as the streaming service and the forum site were at that time permitting profiles to be created with ages listed for 14-year-olds.

In contrast, other major platforms including Instagram, TikTok, the platform formerly known as Twitter, and a streaming rival blocked registrations for under-16s. The Minister responsible, the Minister, acknowledged the system was "developing" and emphasised that companies would be required to "routinely check" for minor accounts continuously.

Other National News

The day of news also featured several other significant stories across Australia:

• Opposition Migration Plans: Opposition MPs were set to confer to debate immigration policy, with reports suggesting a emphasis on accelerating the processing of protection claims and increasing deportations.
• Indigenous Children Removals: A recently released report described "alarmingly high" levels of Indigenous children still removed from their families, calling for a systemic overhaul to the family services system.
• Mining Magnate Landing Pad Rejected: The City of Perth voted against a proposal by the mining billionaire's company to build a private helicopter pad on its new office, citing noise concerns and potential effects on new housing development.
• NSW Bushfire Power Outage: Residents affected by a recent NSW bushfire criticised an power company's decision to proceed with a planned power cut during the emergency, which they claimed affected their ability to protect their homes.

Global Reaction and The Future

The Australian measure has also attracted notice internationally. Ex- American official the former Chicago mayor, who served as chief of staff to former President Barack Obama, shared a message urging the United States to "pick up its game" and implement a comparable ban.

With the policy currently in effect, its roll-out, enforcement, and broader societal impact will be carefully watched both domestically and globally.