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In a significant development for online policy, Australia has enacted a landmark ban on social media access for users under the age of 16. This move has been championed by the nation's Prime Minister as a "historic day" and predicted by the eSafety chief as a measure the "world will follow."

An Historic Change Comes Into Force

Addressing reporters at the Prime Minister's Sydney residence, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated the ban represented Australia demonstrating "the line has been drawn." He described it as a "globally pioneering initiative" that would "transform lives" for Australian youth and offer families with "greater peace of mind."

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

eSafety Chief Draws Parallels to Past Societal Reforms

Julie Inman Grant, commenting on the prohibition's implementation, likened the online platform measures to past national initiatives on public health matters.

"The world will emulate our lead like nations once followed our lead on standardised tobacco packaging, firearms control, water safety," she said. "Why wouldn't you follow a nation clearly prioritising youth safety ahead of technology profits?"

She expressed confidence that technology companies have the "technical ability" to adhere with the new obligations.

Mixed Adherence from Platforms

As the prohibition began, checks revealed inconsistent compliance from different online services. Reports suggested that platforms such as Twitch and Reddit were at that time allowing profiles to be registered with ages listed for users aged fourteen.

In contrast, other major apps including TikTok, Instagram, the platform formerly known as Twitter, and Kick prevented registrations for under-16s. Communications Minister, Anika Wells, noted the process was "developing" and emphasised that companies would be required to "regularly check" for minor accounts continuously.

Other National News

This day's news also included a number of unrelated significant developments across Australia:

• Coalition Migration Plans: Coalition MPs were scheduled to meet to discuss migration policy, with reports pointing to a emphasis on speeding up the handling of protection claims and expanding deportations.
• Indigenous Child Protection: A new report found "obscene" levels of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people still taken from their families, calling for a systemic change to the child protection framework.
• Gina Rinehart Landing Pad Rejected: The City of Perth rejected a bid by the mining billionaire's firm to build a private helicopter pad on its new office, citing disruption issues and potential impacts on future housing construction.
• New South Wales Bushfire Electricity Outage: Homeowners impacted by a recent New South Wales wildfire questioned an energy company's decision to go ahead with a scheduled power cut during the fire event, which they claimed affected their capacity to protect their properties.

Global Reaction and The Future

The national ban has also attracted attention overseas. Former U.S. official Rahm Emanuel, who worked as senior adviser to President Obama, posted a video calling for the U.S. to "follow suit" and adopt a comparable ban.

With the new rule currently in force, its roll-out, enforcement, and broader societal effects will be closely monitored both domestically and around the world.