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In a significant move for digital regulation, Australia has implemented a landmark prohibition on social media use for users below the age of 16. This step has been championed by its nation's leader as a "proud day" and heralded by the eSafety chief as a measure the "international community will follow."

A Pioneering Change Comes Into Effect

Addressing reporters at the Prime Minister's Sydney residence, the nation's leader the PM stated the policy signified Australia showing "enough is enough." He characterised it as a "world-leading reform" that would "change lives" for the nation's youth and offer families with "more peace of mind."

"This is indeed a proud day to be Australian. Because make no mistake – this change will alter lives," he said. "It's a significant reform which will continue to reverberate around the globe."

Online Safety Chief Draws Comparisons to Past Public Health Campaigns

The eSafety Commissioner, commenting on the ban's start, compared the social media restrictions to past national leadership on societal matters.

"The world will emulate our lead like countries once followed our example on plain tobacco packaging, firearms control, water safety," she stated. "How can you not follow a nation clearly placing teen safety ahead of tech profits?"

She voiced confidence that technology companies have the "technical ability" to adhere with the new requirements.

Mixed Compliance from Social Media Companies

As the prohibition began, checks showed mixed compliance from various social media platforms. Reports suggested that platforms such as Twitch and the forum site were still permitting profiles to be registered with ages set for users aged fourteen.

In contrast, other major platforms including TikTok, Instagram, X, and Kick blocked registrations for under-16s. The Minister, Anika Wells, noted the process was "developing" and emphasised that platforms would be obligated to "routinely check" for underage accounts continuously.

Other Domestic News

This day's news also included a number of unrelated notable stories across Australia:

• Opposition Immigration Plans: Coalition MPs were scheduled to confer to discuss immigration approaches, with reports suggesting a focus on accelerating the handling of protection claims and increasing deportations.
• Indigenous Child Removals: A new study described "alarmingly high" levels of Indigenous young people still removed from their families, advocating a fundamental overhaul to the child protection framework.
• Gina Rinehart Helipad Rejected: The City of Perth voted against a proposal by Gina Rinehart's firm to install a private helipad on its new office, citing noise concerns and possible effects on future housing development.
• New South Wales Bushfire Electricity Outage: Residents impacted by a recent New South Wales bushfire criticised an power company's decision to proceed with a scheduled electricity outage during the fire event, which they said hindered their capacity to protect their homes.

International Reaction and The Future

This Australian measure has already drawn attention overseas. Former U.S. official Rahm Emanuel, who served as senior adviser to President Barack Obama, shared a message calling for the U.S. to "pick up its game" and adopt a comparable ban.

With the policy now in effect, its implementation, compliance, and broader social impact will be carefully watched both at home and globally.