🔗 Share this article

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

An Historic Change Comes Into Effect

Speaking at the Prime Minister's Sydney residence, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese declared the ban represented Australia demonstrating "enough is enough." He described it as a "world-leading reform" that would "transform lives" for the nation's children and offer families with "greater peace of mind."

"It is indeed a proud day to be Australian. Because make no mistake – this change will alter lives," the Prime Minister said. "It's a profound reform which will continue to reverberate around the world."

Online Safety Commissioner Makes Comparisons to Past Societal Reforms

Julie Inman Grant, commenting on the prohibition's start, likened the social media measures to past national leadership on societal matters.

"The world will emulate our lead like countries once adopted our example on plain tobacco labels, firearms reform, sun safety," she said. "Why wouldn't you follow a country so visibly placing youth safety ahead of technology profits?"

She expressed certainty that technology firms possess the "technical capability" to comply with the new obligations.

Mixed Adherence from Social Media Companies

As the ban began, tests showed mixed compliance from various social media platforms. Findings indicated that platforms such as the streaming service and the forum site were at that time permitting accounts to be registered with birthdates listed for users aged fourteen.

By contrast, other major apps including Instagram, Instagram, X, and a streaming rival prevented sign-ups for under-16s. The Minister, the Minister, noted the process was "developing" and stressed that platforms would be required to "routinely check" for underage users ongoing.

Other National News

The day of events also included several other notable developments across the country:

• Coalition Migration Plans: Coalition MPs were scheduled to meet to discuss migration policy, with indications suggesting a emphasis on speeding up the handling of protection claims and increasing removals.
• Aboriginal Child Removals: A recently released report described "alarmingly high" rates of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people still removed from their homes, calling for a systemic change to the family services framework.
• Gina Rinehart Landing Pad Blocked: The City of Perth rejected a bid by the mining billionaire's firm to install a private helipad on its planned headquarters, citing noise concerns and possible effects on new housing development.
• New South Wales Bushfire Power Outage: Homeowners affected by a last week's New South Wales bushfire criticised an power provider's decision to go ahead with a planned electricity cut during the emergency, which they said affected their ability to defend their homes.

International Reaction and The Future

The national ban has already attracted notice overseas. Ex- American official Rahm Emanuel, who worked as senior adviser to President Obama, shared a video calling for the U.S. to "follow suit" and adopt a similar ban.

With the policy currently in effect, its implementation, enforcement, and broader social impact will be closely watched both at home and around the world.