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In a major development for digital regulation, Australia has enacted a landmark prohibition on social media use for individuals below the age of 16. The move has been hailed by the country's leader as a "proud day" and predicted by the online safety commissioner as a measure the "international community will follow."

A Pioneering Change Takes 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 described it as a "globally pioneering reform" that would "transform lives" for Australian youth and offer parents with "more peace of mind."

"This is indeed a historic day to be Australian. Because make no mistake – this change will alter lives," the Prime Minister said. "This is a profound 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 start, compared the social media measures to past Australian leadership on public health matters.

"Nations globally will follow like countries once followed our example on plain tobacco packaging, firearms control, sun safety," she stated. "Why wouldn't you follow a nation so visibly prioritising teen safety ahead of tech profits?"

Inman Grant voiced certainty that technology firms have the "technical capability" to adhere with the new obligations.

Varied Compliance from Social Media Companies

While the prohibition came into effect, checks showed mixed compliance from different social media services. Findings indicated that sites such as the streaming service and Reddit were still allowing accounts to be registered with birthdates listed for 14-year-olds.

By comparison, several prominent platforms including Instagram, TikTok, the platform formerly known as Twitter, and a streaming rival prevented sign-ups for under-16s. Communications Minister responsible, Anika Wells, acknowledged the process was "evolving" and emphasised that platforms would be obligated to "regularly check" for minor accounts continuously.

Other Domestic News

This day of events also featured a number of other significant stories across the country:

• Opposition Migration Policy: Coalition MPs were set to confer to debate migration policy, with reports suggesting a focus on accelerating the handling of asylum seeker applications and expanding deportations.
• Indigenous Children Protection: A new report described "alarmingly high" rates of Indigenous children still removed from their families, advocating a systemic overhaul to the family services system.
• Gina Rinehart Helipad Rejected: The Perth City Council voted against a bid by the mining billionaire's firm to install a private helipad on its planned office, citing noise concerns and potential effects on new apartment construction.
• NSW Bushfire Electricity Cut: Homeowners impacted by a last week's NSW wildfire criticised an energy provider's decision to proceed with a planned power outage during the fire event, which they said hindered their capacity to defend their homes.

International Response and The Future

This Australian ban has already drawn attention internationally. Former U.S. official the former Chicago mayor, who worked as senior adviser to President Obama, posted a message urging the U.S. to "pick up its game" and adopt a comparable ban.

With the new rule now in effect, its roll-out, enforcement, and broader societal effects will be closely monitored both at home and globally.