🔗 Share this article

In a significant development for online regulation, Australia has enacted a pioneering prohibition on social media use for individuals below the age of 16. This move has been championed by the country's Prime Minister as a "proud day" and heralded by the online safety commissioner as a reform the "world will follow."

An Historic Reform Comes Into Force

Addressing reporters at Kirribilli House, the nation's leader the PM stated the policy represented Australia showing "enough is enough." He characterised it as a "world-leading initiative" that would "transform lives" for the nation's youth and provide families with "greater peace of mind."

"This is indeed a historic day to be Australian. Because make no mistake – this change will change lives," he said. "This is a profound measure which will continue to echo around the world."

eSafety Commissioner Makes Parallels to Previous Public Health Campaigns

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

"The world will follow like nations once followed our lead on plain cigarette labels, gun control, sun safety," the Commissioner stated. "How can you not emulate a country so visibly placing youth safety ahead of tech profits?"

She expressed certainty that social media firms have the "technical capability" to comply with the new requirements.

Varied Compliance from Social Media Companies

While the prohibition began, tests revealed mixed adherence from various online services. Findings indicated that platforms such as the streaming service and Reddit were still allowing profiles to be registered with ages set for users aged fourteen.

In comparison, several major platforms including TikTok, TikTok, X, and a streaming rival blocked sign-ups for minors. The Minister responsible, the Minister, acknowledged the process was "developing" and emphasised that companies would be obligated to "regularly check" for underage accounts ongoing.

Other Domestic Developments

This day's events also included several other significant stories across Australia:

• Coalition Immigration Policy: Coalition MPs were scheduled to confer to debate immigration policy, with indications pointing to a focus on speeding up the handling of protection applications and expanding removals.
• Aboriginal Child Protection: A new study described "alarmingly high" rates of Indigenous young people still removed from their homes, advocating a fundamental change to the child protection framework.
• Gina Rinehart Landing Pad Rejected: The City of Perth rejected a proposal by the mining billionaire's company to build a corporate helipad on its new office, citing disruption concerns and possible impacts on new apartment construction.
• New South Wales Fire Power Outage: Residents impacted by a last week's New South Wales bushfire criticised an energy provider's choice to go ahead with a planned electricity cut during the emergency, which they said hindered their ability to protect their properties.

Global Reaction and The Future

The national ban has already drawn attention internationally. Former U.S. figure Rahm Emanuel, who served as chief of staff to President Barack Obama, shared a video calling for the U.S. to "follow suit" and implement a similar restriction.

As the policy currently in effect, its roll-out, enforcement, and broader social effects will be closely watched both domestically and around the world.