🔗 Share this article

During a major development for digital policy, the nation has enacted a pioneering ban on social media use for users under the age of 16. This move has been championed by its nation's Prime Minister as a "proud day" and heralded by the eSafety chief as a reform the "international community will follow."

An Pioneering Change Takes Force

Speaking at Kirribilli House, Prime Minister the PM declared the policy represented Australia showing "enough is enough." He described it as a "globally pioneering initiative" that would "change lives" for Australian children and offer families with "greater peace of mind."

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

Online Safety Chief Makes Parallels to Past Societal Reforms

Julie Inman Grant, commenting on the prohibition's implementation, likened the online platform restrictions to historic Australian leadership on societal matters.

"The world will emulate our lead like countries once followed our example on plain cigarette packaging, gun reform, water safety," the Commissioner said. "How can you not follow a nation so visibly placing teen safety ahead of tech revenue?"

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

Varied Adherence from Platforms

As the prohibition began, tests showed mixed adherence from various online services. Findings suggested that sites such as the streaming service and Reddit were at that time allowing accounts to be registered with birthdates listed for 14-year-olds.

By comparison, several prominent platforms including Instagram, TikTok, the platform formerly known as Twitter, and a streaming rival blocked registrations for minors. Communications Minister, Anika Wells, noted the system was "evolving" and emphasised that platforms would be required to "regularly check" for underage accounts ongoing.

Additional Domestic News

The day of news also featured a number of unrelated significant developments across the country:

• Opposition Immigration Policy: Opposition MPs were set to confer to debate migration policy, with reports pointing to a focus on speeding up the processing of protection claims and increasing deportations.
• Aboriginal Children Protection: A recently released study found "obscene" levels of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children still removed from their homes, calling for a fundamental overhaul to the child protection framework.
• Gina Rinehart Landing Pad Rejected: The Perth City Council voted against a bid by the mining billionaire's firm to build a corporate helipad on its new office, citing noise issues and potential impacts on new apartment construction.
• New South Wales Bushfire Power Cut: Homeowners impacted by a recent NSW bushfire criticised an power company's choice to proceed with a planned power outage during the emergency, which they said hindered their capacity to defend their properties.

International Reaction and Looking Ahead

The national measure has already drawn notice overseas. Former U.S. figure the former Chicago mayor, who served as chief of staff to President Barack Obama, posted a message urging the U.S. to "pick up its game" and adopt a comparable restriction.

As the new rule currently in force, its roll-out, compliance, and wider social effects will be carefully monitored both domestically and around the world.