🔗 Share this article

During a major development for digital policy, the nation has implemented a landmark prohibition on social media access for individuals below the age of 16. The move has been hailed by its country's Prime Minister as a "historic day" and predicted by the online safety commissioner as a reform the "international community will follow."

A Historic Change Comes Into Force

Speaking at Kirribilli House, Prime Minister the PM stated the policy signified Australia showing "the line has been drawn." He described it as a "globally pioneering reform" that would "change lives" for the nation's youth and offer families with "greater peace of mind."

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

Online Safety Chief Makes Parallels to Previous Public Health Reforms

Julie Inman Grant, speaking on the prohibition's start, likened the social media restrictions to past Australian leadership on societal issues.

"The world will emulate our lead like countries once adopted our example on standardised cigarette packaging, gun reform, sun safety," the Commissioner said. "How can you not follow a country clearly prioritising teen safety ahead of tech revenue?"

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

Mixed Adherence from Platforms

As the ban began, checks showed inconsistent adherence from different social media services. Reports suggested that platforms such as Twitch and Reddit were at that time allowing profiles to be created with ages listed for 14-year-olds.

By comparison, several prominent platforms including Instagram, TikTok, X, and Kick prevented registrations for under-16s. The Minister responsible, the Minister, acknowledged the process was "evolving" and emphasised that companies would be required to "regularly check" for underage accounts ongoing.

Additional Domestic News

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

• Coalition Migration Plans: Opposition MPs were set to confer to discuss immigration policy, with indications pointing to a emphasis on accelerating the handling of protection applications and increasing deportations.
• Aboriginal Child Removals: A new report found "alarmingly high" levels of Indigenous young people still removed from their families, advocating a systemic change to the child protection system.
• Gina Rinehart Helipad Rejected: The City of Perth voted against a bid by Gina Rinehart's company to build a private helipad on its planned office, citing noise concerns and possible impacts on new housing development.
• NSW Fire Power Cut: Residents impacted by a recent NSW bushfire questioned an energy provider's decision to go ahead with a scheduled power outage during the emergency, which they claimed affected their capacity to defend their properties.

Global Response and The Future

The Australian measure has also attracted attention internationally. Former U.S. official the former Chicago mayor, who worked as chief of staff to President Barack Obama, shared a video urging the United States to "follow suit" and implement a comparable restriction.

With the new rule now in effect, its roll-out, compliance, and wider societal impact will be carefully watched both at home and globally.