Australian children under the age of 16 are now locked out of their social media accounts, as a world-first ban came into effect overnight.
The crackdown covers platforms including Instagram, Facebook, X, Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Threads, Reddit, Twitch and Kick — with companies facing fines of up to $49.5 million dollars if they fail to comply.
On Wednesday morning, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the ban was about families taking back control and protecting young people from harmful content.
"This is the day when Australian families are taking back power from these big tech companies. They are asserting the right of kids to be kids and for parents to have greater peace of mind," he said.
Platforms that are not included in the ban are Discord, GitHub, Google Classroom, LEGO Play, Messenger, Pinterest, Roblox, Steam and Steam Chat, WhatsApp, YouTube Kids, Lemon8, Yope and Coverstar.
Unregistered painter fined for requesting hefty deposit from Singleton homeowner and not doing the job
Police hunt driver following dangerous Baldivis pursuit
Welfare concerns for boy last seen at Port Kennedy skate park
Rubbish truck catches fire in Baldivis
Driver injured in bus crash in Rockingham
Lark Hill Sportsplex to undergo $3 million floodlighting upgrades
Arson Squad investigate Bunbury house fire
Construction begins on new Mandurah Hospital
Rockingham Flames men advance to NBL1 West grand final