Prime Minister hails ‘biggest social change’ as landmark social media ban launches

Anthony Albanese has labelled Australia’s social media ban for under-16s “one of the biggest social and cultural changes that our nation has faced”. Teens are now finding ways to get around it.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has hailed the government’s world-leading social media age ban as “one of the biggest social and cultural changes that our nation has faced”, at a launch event at Kirribilli House in Sydney.

“My pride in which to be the Prime Minister of Australia has never been greater”, Mr Albanese said.

“This is world-leading. This is Australia showing enough is enough.”

“This reform will change lives for Australian kids… it’s about our families taking back control.”

Acknowledging the ban won’t be perfect, Mr Albanese said it was a “proud day to be Australian”.

“It won’t be perfect because this is a big change.”

“Success is the fact that it’s happening. Success is the fact that we’re having this discussion.”

The landmark ban came into effect at midnight Tuesday, blocking anyone under 16 from accessing major social media apps. Some teens are finding ways around it.

Accounts suspected of being operated by children will be suspended unless they can provide ID verification.

The restrictions apply to Instagram, YouTube, Snapchat, TikTok, Facebook, X, Twitch, Threads and Kick, with platforms required to take “reasonable steps” to stop children from having accounts. Parents and children face no penalties if they breach the rules, but platforms that fail to comply could be fined up to $49.5 million.

SEE HOW THE DAY UNFOLDED BELOW

Originally published as Prime Minister hails ‘biggest social change’ as landmark social media ban launches