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In a significant move for digital policy, the nation has enacted a pioneering ban on social media access for users below the age of 16. The move has been hailed by the nation's leader as a "historic day" and predicted by the eSafety commissioner as a reform the "world will follow."

A Pioneering Change Takes Effect

Speaking at the Prime Minister's Sydney residence, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated the policy signified Australia demonstrating "the line has been drawn." He described it as a "globally pioneering reform" that would "change lives" for Australian children and offer families with "greater peace of mind."

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

eSafety Commissioner Draws Parallels to Past Public Health Reforms

Julie Inman Grant, speaking on the ban's implementation, compared the social media measures to historic Australian leadership on public health issues.

"Nations globally will follow like nations once adopted our example on standardised tobacco packaging, gun reform, sun safety," the Commissioner stated. "How can you not emulate a country so visibly prioritising youth safety ahead of tech profits?"

She expressed certainty that social media companies have the "technical capability" to adhere with the new obligations.

Mixed Compliance from Platforms

While the ban began, checks revealed mixed compliance from different online services. Reports indicated that sites such as the streaming service and Reddit were still permitting accounts to be created with ages set for 14-year-olds.

In comparison, other prominent apps including TikTok, TikTok, the platform formerly known as Twitter, and Kick prevented registrations for under-16s. Communications Minister, Anika Wells, noted the system was "evolving" and emphasised that companies would be required to "regularly check" for underage users continuously.

Other Domestic News

This day of news also featured several unrelated notable stories across the country:

• Coalition Migration Policy: Coalition MPs were set to confer to debate migration policy, with reports pointing to a focus on accelerating the handling of asylum seeker applications and expanding removals.
• Indigenous Children Removals: A new study described "alarmingly high" rates of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people continue to be removed from their families, advocating a fundamental change to the child protection system.
• Gina Rinehart Helipad Rejected: The Perth City Council rejected a proposal by Gina Rinehart's company to build a private helicopter pad on its new headquarters, citing disruption concerns and potential impacts on future apartment development.
• NSW Fire Power Outage: Homeowners affected by a recent NSW wildfire questioned an energy company's decision to proceed with a scheduled electricity cut during the emergency, which they said affected their capacity to defend their properties.

Global Response and The Future

The national measure has already attracted notice overseas. Former American official the former Chicago mayor, who served as chief of staff to former President Obama, shared a video calling for the U.S. to "pick up its game" and adopt a comparable ban.

With the policy now in force, its implementation, compliance, and wider societal impact will be carefully monitored both domestically and globally.