🔗 Share this article PM Celebrates a 'Proud Day' as Online Safety Chief Predicts 'Globe Will Emulate Our Lead'. During a significant development for online regulation, Australia has implemented a pioneering ban on social networking access for individuals below the age of sixteen. The move has been hailed by its nation's leader as a "proud day" and heralded by the online safety commissioner as a reform the "world will follow." An Historic Change Takes Effect Addressing reporters at the Prime Minister's Sydney residence, Prime Minister the PM stated the ban represented Australia showing "the line has been drawn." He described it as a "world-leading reform" that would "transform lives" for Australian children and provide families with "more peace of mind." "This is indeed a historic day to be Australian. Because make no mistake – this reform will alter lives," he said. "It's a profound reform which will continue to reverberate around the globe." Online Safety Chief Draws Parallels to Past Societal Reforms The eSafety Commissioner, speaking on the prohibition's start, compared the online platform restrictions to historic Australian leadership on public health matters. "The world will emulate our lead like nations once adopted our lead on standardised tobacco packaging, gun control, water safety," the Commissioner said. "Why wouldn't you follow a nation so visibly prioritising teen well-being ahead of tech profits?" Inman Grant voiced confidence that social media firms have the "technical ability" to comply with the new requirements. Mixed Adherence from Platforms As the ban began, checks revealed inconsistent adherence from various online platforms. Findings indicated that platforms such as Twitch and the forum site were still permitting profiles to be created with ages set for 14-year-olds. By comparison, other prominent apps including Instagram, Instagram, X, and a streaming rival prevented registrations for minors. The Minister, the Minister, noted the system was "developing" and stressed that companies would be required to "regularly check" for underage users ongoing. Additional National News The day's news also featured several unrelated significant developments across Australia: Coalition Immigration Policy: Opposition MPs were set to meet to debate immigration approaches, with indications suggesting a emphasis on accelerating the handling of protection applications and expanding removals. Indigenous Children Protection: A recently released study found "alarmingly high" rates of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children continue to be taken from their homes, advocating a systemic overhaul to the child protection system. Gina Rinehart Landing Pad Rejected: The City of Perth rejected a bid by Gina Rinehart's company to install a private helipad on its planned office, citing disruption issues and potential impacts on new housing development. New South Wales Bushfire Power Outage: Homeowners affected by a recent New South Wales wildfire criticised an power company's choice to go ahead with a planned electricity outage during the emergency, which they said affected their ability to protect their properties. International Response and The Future The national measure has already drawn attention overseas. Former U.S. figure the former Chicago mayor, who served as senior adviser to former President Obama, posted a message calling for the U.S. to "pick up its game" and implement a similar restriction. With the policy currently in force, its roll-out, compliance, and broader social impact will be carefully monitored both at home and globally.