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Priscilla Thakoor begins a three-year term as Mauritius' first female central bank governor, replacing Rama Sithanen. Meanwhile, New Zealand is set to appoint its first female governor of the Reserve Bank, who is also a foreigner, amid leadership reforms. Australian pension fund appoints new CEO as political and economic shifts continue.
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Multiple outages of Optus' emergency call system in Australia have resulted in at least four deaths. The company failed to notify authorities properly, with recent incidents linked to network upgrades and hardware failures. Investigations are ongoing, and new legislation aims to improve emergency communication reliability.
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Australia has introduced a new law banning social media accounts for users under 16, effective December 10. Platforms face fines up to A$50 million if they fail to comply. The law aims to protect children from online risks, amid ongoing debates about enforcement and privacy concerns.
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As of October 2025, Instagram enforces PG-13 content settings by default for users under 18, restricting exposure to mature themes unless parents approve changes. The update includes stricter filters on sensitive topics, limits on interactions with inappropriate accounts, and enhanced parental controls. The rollout begins in the US, UK, Canada, and Australia, expanding globally next year amid ongoing concerns about teen safety online.
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Australia will require social media platforms to block under-16 accounts from December 10, with fines up to $33 million for non-compliance. The law targets platforms like Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube, aiming to protect children from harmful content and mental health risks. Exemptions include messaging and educational platforms, with ongoing assessments of impact.
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On December 10, 2025, Australia enforced a pioneering law banning users under 16 from major social media platforms including TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. Platforms must block new and existing underage accounts or face fines up to A$49.5 million. The law aims to protect youth mental health amid concerns over cyberbullying and addictive design, though it faces legal challenges and practical enforcement issues.
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The US has endorsed the AUKUS security pact after a Pentagon review, confirming its long-term viability. Australia will acquire US nuclear submarines in the early 2030s, with efforts to improve supply chains and build submarine capacity. Meanwhile, Australia’s domestic violence response receives a $674 million boost.
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Australia has ordered major platforms including TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube to block around one million users under 16, citing concerns over youth safety. Content creators report significant drops in followers and engagement, impacting their income and connection with young audiences. The ban affects approximately 200,000 TikTok accounts so far.