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In a major move for online policy, the nation has enacted a pioneering ban on social media use for individuals below the age of 16. This move has been championed by its country's Prime Minister as a "historic day" and heralded by the online safety commissioner as a measure the "international community will follow."

A Pioneering Change Comes Into Force

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

"It is indeed a proud day to be Australian. Because make no mistake – this reform will change lives," the Prime Minister said. "This is a significant reform which will continue to echo around the globe."

Online Safety Commissioner Makes Comparisons to Previous Societal Reforms

The eSafety Commissioner, speaking on the ban's implementation, compared the social media measures to past national leadership on public health matters.

"The world will follow like countries once followed our example on plain tobacco packaging, firearms control, water safety," she said. "Why wouldn't you emulate a country so visibly prioritising teen safety ahead of tech profits?"

Inman Grant expressed confidence that social media firms possess the "technological capability" to adhere with the new requirements.

Varied Compliance from Platforms

While the prohibition began, checks showed inconsistent adherence from different social media services. Findings suggested that sites such as Twitch and the forum site were still allowing profiles to be created with ages listed for users aged fourteen.

In comparison, other major apps including Instagram, Instagram, X, and a streaming rival prevented sign-ups for under-16s. Communications Minister, the Minister, acknowledged the process was "developing" and emphasised that companies would be required to "routinely check" for minor accounts continuously.

Additional National News

This day's news also included a number of other notable developments across the country:

• Opposition Immigration Plans: Opposition MPs were set to confer to discuss migration policy, with indications suggesting a focus on speeding up the handling of protection applications and increasing deportations.
• Indigenous Children Protection: A new study described "obscene" levels of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children still taken from their families, advocating a systemic overhaul to the family services framework.
• Gina Rinehart Helipad Rejected: The Perth City Council voted against a bid by the mining billionaire's company to build a private helipad on its planned office, citing disruption issues and potential impacts on future housing development.
• New South Wales Fire Power Outage: Homeowners affected by a last week's New South Wales wildfire criticised an power provider's choice to proceed with a planned power outage during the emergency, which they said affected their capacity to protect their properties.

Global Reaction and The Future

The national ban has already attracted attention overseas. Former U.S. figure Rahm Emanuel, who served as chief of staff to President Barack Obama, posted a video urging the United States to "pick up its game" and implement a comparable restriction.

With the new rule currently in effect, its roll-out, enforcement, and wider societal effects will be closely watched both at home and around the world.