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During a significant development for digital regulation, the nation has enacted a pioneering prohibition on social media use for users below the age of sixteen. This step has been hailed by the country's leader as a "historic day" and predicted by the eSafety commissioner as a reform the "international community will follow."

A Historic Reform Comes Into Force

Addressing reporters at Kirribilli House, the nation's leader the PM declared the policy represented Australia showing "the line has been drawn." He described it as a "globally pioneering initiative" that would "transform lives" for Australian youth and provide families with "more 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."

eSafety Commissioner Draws Comparisons to Past Public Health Campaigns

Julie Inman Grant, speaking on the prohibition's implementation, likened the online platform restrictions to historic Australian leadership on public health issues.

"The world will emulate our lead like nations once followed our example on plain cigarette labels, firearms reform, sun safety," she said. "How can you not emulate a country clearly prioritising teen safety ahead of technology profits?"

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

Varied Adherence from Social Media Companies

As the prohibition came into effect, tests showed mixed compliance from different online services. Findings indicated that platforms such as the streaming service and the forum site were still permitting profiles to be registered with birthdates listed for 14-year-olds.

By contrast, other prominent platforms including Instagram, Instagram, X, and Kick blocked sign-ups for minors. The Minister responsible, Anika Wells, noted the process was "developing" and emphasised that companies would be required to "routinely check" for minor accounts ongoing.

Additional Domestic Developments

This day of news also included several other significant developments across the country:

• Coalition Immigration Policy: Coalition MPs were set to meet to debate immigration policy, with indications suggesting a focus on speeding up the processing of protection claims and increasing deportations.
• Indigenous Child Removals: A recently released report described "alarmingly high" levels of Indigenous children still taken from their families, calling for a systemic overhaul to the family services framework.
• Mining Magnate Landing Pad Rejected: The Perth City Council rejected a bid by the mining billionaire's firm to build a corporate helipad on its new office, citing disruption issues and possible impacts on new apartment construction.
• NSW Fire Electricity Outage: Residents affected by a last week's New South Wales wildfire criticised an power company's decision to proceed with a scheduled power outage during the fire event, which they said hindered their ability to protect their properties.

Global Response and Looking Ahead

The national ban has also drawn attention internationally. Former American figure the former Chicago mayor, who worked as senior adviser to President Barack Obama, shared a message urging the U.S. to "pick up its game" and implement a similar ban.

With the new rule currently in force, its roll-out, enforcement, and broader social impact will be carefully watched both at home and around the world.