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In a major move for digital policy, Australia has enacted a pioneering prohibition on social media use for individuals below the age of sixteen. The step has been hailed by the nation's Prime Minister as a "proud day" and predicted by the online safety chief as a measure the "international community will follow."

A Historic Change Takes Effect

Speaking at the Prime Minister's Sydney residence, Prime Minister the PM stated the policy signified Australia demonstrating "enough is enough." He described it as a "world-leading initiative" that would "transform lives" for the nation's youth and provide families with "more peace of mind."

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

Online Safety Commissioner Draws Comparisons to Past Public Health Campaigns

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

"The world will follow like nations once followed our example on plain tobacco packaging, gun control, water safety," she stated. "Why wouldn't you follow a country so visibly placing teen well-being ahead of tech revenue?"

She expressed confidence that technology firms possess the "technological ability" to adhere with the new obligations.

Mixed Adherence from Platforms

While the ban began, checks revealed inconsistent adherence from various social media services. Findings indicated that platforms such as Twitch and the forum site were at that time allowing profiles to be created with birthdates set for 14-year-olds.

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

Other National News

This day of events also featured a number of unrelated significant stories across Australia:

• Opposition Immigration Policy: Opposition MPs were set to confer to debate migration approaches, with reports pointing to a focus on speeding up the processing of asylum seeker applications and increasing removals.
• Indigenous Children Protection: A new report found "obscene" rates of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people still removed from their homes, calling for a systemic overhaul to the child protection system.
• Mining Magnate Landing Pad Rejected: The City of Perth rejected a proposal by Gina Rinehart's company to install a private helicopter pad on its new headquarters, citing disruption issues and potential effects on new housing construction.
• NSW Bushfire Power Cut: Homeowners impacted by a recent New South Wales wildfire questioned an energy provider's choice to go ahead with a planned power cut during the emergency, which they said hindered their ability to defend their properties.

International Reaction and The Future

The national measure has also drawn notice overseas. Ex- U.S. figure the former Chicago mayor, who served as senior adviser to former President Obama, shared a video calling for the United States to "follow suit" and implement a similar ban.

As the policy currently in effect, its implementation, enforcement, and wider societal effects will be closely watched both at home and globally.