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During a significant move for digital policy, Australia has enacted a pioneering prohibition on social media access for users below the age of sixteen. The step has been championed by its nation's leader as a "historic day" and heralded by the online safety chief as a measure the "international community will follow."

An 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 characterised it as a "world-leading reform" that would "transform lives" for Australian children and offer families with "more peace of mind."

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

Online Safety Commissioner Makes Comparisons to Previous Societal Campaigns

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

"Nations globally will follow like countries once adopted our example on standardised tobacco labels, firearms reform, water safety," she stated. "How can you not emulate a nation so visibly placing youth well-being ahead of technology revenue?"

Inman Grant voiced certainty that social media firms possess the "technological ability" to comply with the new requirements.

Mixed Adherence from Platforms

While the ban began, checks revealed mixed compliance from various social media services. Reports indicated that platforms such as Twitch and Reddit were still permitting profiles to be created with birthdates set for users aged fourteen.

In comparison, several prominent platforms including TikTok, Instagram, the platform formerly known as Twitter, and Kick prevented sign-ups for under-16s. The Minister responsible, Anika Wells, acknowledged the system was "evolving" and emphasised that platforms would be required to "regularly check" for underage users ongoing.

Other Domestic News

The day's news also included a number of other significant developments across the country:

• Coalition Immigration Policy: Coalition MPs were scheduled to meet to debate immigration approaches, with indications pointing to a emphasis on accelerating the handling of asylum seeker applications and increasing removals.
• Indigenous Child Removals: A recently released report described "obscene" levels of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children continue to be taken from their families, advocating a fundamental change to the child protection system.
• Gina Rinehart Landing Pad Rejected: The Perth City Council rejected a proposal by Gina Rinehart's company to install a corporate helicopter pad on its planned office, citing disruption concerns and potential impacts on future housing construction.
• New South Wales Bushfire Electricity Outage: Residents affected by a last week's NSW wildfire criticised an energy provider's choice to go ahead with a planned electricity outage during the fire event, which they said hindered their ability to defend their homes.

Global Response and Looking Ahead

The national measure has also drawn notice overseas. Former U.S. figure the former Chicago mayor, who served as chief of staff to President Obama, shared a video calling for the U.S. to "follow suit" and adopt a similar ban.

As the new rule now in force, its implementation, enforcement, and wider societal impact will be closely watched both domestically and globally.