🔗 Share this article

In a significant move for digital regulation, Australia has implemented a landmark prohibition on social media access for individuals under the age of sixteen. The step has been hailed by its country's leader as a "proud day" and heralded by the eSafety chief as a measure the "international community will follow."

A Historic Change Takes Effect

Speaking at Kirribilli House, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese declared the ban represented Australia showing "the line has been drawn." He described it as a "globally pioneering reform" that would "transform lives" for Australian youth and provide families with "more peace of mind."

"This is indeed a historic day to be Australian. For make no mistake – this reform will alter lives," the Prime Minister remarked. "This is a profound reform which will continue to reverberate around the world."

Online Safety Commissioner Makes Parallels to Past Public Health Campaigns

Julie Inman Grant, commenting on the prohibition's implementation, compared the social media restrictions to historic national initiatives on public health matters.

"Nations globally will emulate our lead like nations once adopted our example on plain tobacco packaging, gun control, water safety," she stated. "How can you not emulate a country clearly placing teen safety ahead of tech profits?"

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

Varied Compliance from Social Media Companies

While the ban began, tests showed mixed compliance from various online platforms. Reports suggested that platforms such as the streaming service and the forum site were at that time allowing profiles to be registered with ages set for 14-year-olds.

In contrast, several prominent platforms including Instagram, TikTok, X, and Kick blocked sign-ups for under-16s. The Minister responsible, Anika Wells, acknowledged the system was "developing" and emphasised that platforms would be obligated to "routinely check" for underage accounts ongoing.

Additional National Developments

This day's news also included several other notable stories across the country:

• Coalition Migration Plans: Coalition MPs were set to confer to debate immigration approaches, with indications pointing to a focus on speeding up the handling of asylum seeker claims and expanding removals.
• Indigenous Child Removals: A new study described "alarmingly high" levels of Indigenous young people continue to be taken from their families, advocating a systemic overhaul to the family services system.
• Gina Rinehart Helipad Rejected: The Perth City Council rejected a bid by the mining billionaire's company to build a private helipad on its planned headquarters, citing disruption issues and possible impacts on future apartment construction.
• New South Wales Fire Power Outage: Homeowners affected by a last week's NSW bushfire criticised an energy provider's choice to go ahead with a scheduled electricity cut during the emergency, which they claimed affected their ability to protect their homes.

International Response and The Future

The national ban has already drawn notice internationally. Former American official Rahm Emanuel, who served as senior adviser to former President Obama, shared a video calling for the United States to "follow suit" and adopt a similar restriction.

With the policy currently in force, its roll-out, enforcement, and wider social effects will be carefully watched both at home and around the world.