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In a major development for online policy, Australia has enacted a pioneering prohibition on social media use for users below the age of sixteen. The move has been hailed by the nation's leader as a "historic day" and predicted by the online safety chief as a reform the "international community will follow."

A Pioneering Change Comes Into Effect

Addressing reporters at the Prime Minister's Sydney residence, Prime Minister the PM declared the policy signified Australia showing "the line has been drawn." He characterised it as a "world-leading reform" that would "transform lives" for Australian children and provide families with "greater peace of mind."

"This is indeed a proud day to be Australian. Because make no mistake – this reform will change lives," he remarked. "This is a profound reform which will continue to echo around the globe."

eSafety Chief Draws Comparisons to Past Public Health Campaigns

Julie Inman Grant, commenting on the prohibition's start, compared the social media restrictions to past national leadership on public health issues.

"The world will emulate our lead like nations once adopted our lead on plain cigarette labels, gun reform, water safety," she stated. "How can you not follow a nation so visibly prioritising youth safety ahead of tech revenue?"

Inman Grant voiced confidence that social media companies have the "technical capability" to adhere with the new obligations.

Varied Compliance from Platforms

As the ban came into effect, tests showed inconsistent adherence from various social media services. Findings indicated that sites such as Twitch and the forum site were at that time permitting accounts to be registered with ages set for users aged fourteen.

By contrast, other major apps including TikTok, TikTok, X, and Kick prevented registrations for under-16s. The Minister responsible, Anika Wells, noted the system was "evolving" and emphasised that companies would be obligated to "routinely check" for underage accounts ongoing.

Additional Domestic Developments

The day's news also included several other notable stories across Australia:

• Coalition Immigration Plans: Coalition MPs were scheduled to confer to discuss immigration approaches, with indications pointing to a focus on speeding up the handling of protection claims and expanding deportations.
• Indigenous Child Removals: A recently released report found "alarmingly high" rates of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children still taken from their families, calling for a systemic change to the child protection system.
• Mining Magnate Landing Pad Rejected: The Perth City Council voted against a proposal by Gina Rinehart's company to build a corporate helipad on its planned office, citing disruption issues and possible effects on new housing development.
• NSW Bushfire Electricity Cut: Homeowners impacted by a last week's New South Wales wildfire questioned an energy provider's choice to go ahead with a scheduled electricity outage during the emergency, which they said hindered their capacity to defend their properties.

International Reaction and Looking Ahead

This Australian ban has already drawn notice overseas. Former U.S. official Rahm Emanuel, who worked as senior adviser to President Obama, posted a message calling for the U.S. to "pick up its game" and implement a comparable restriction.

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