A popular Australian YouTube family, known online as the Empire Family, has announced their relocation from Perth to the United Kingdom, citing Australia’s upcoming social media ban for under-16s as the key catalyst for their decision. (Mamamia)
The Background
Australia’s national legislation, the Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Bill 2024, passed in late 2024, forbids children under the age of 16 from holding accounts on major social media platforms including YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Snapchat and X. (ITVX)
For the Empire Family, the rule poses a direct threat to the social-media careers of their two teenage children: a 14-year-old daughter and a 17-year-old son whose respective channels together count millions of followers. The family hold dual Australian-British citizenship, enabling their move to London. “We’ve been wanting to travel anyway… so this was perfect,” said one parent in a video posted to their channel. (Mamamia)
What They’re Saying
The family stated that while they understand and support the intent of the ban—to protect children online—they believe it would unfairly limit their daughter’s creative expression and livelihood. They said:
“We understand that it is protecting young people … but we use the internet for good.” (9news.com.au)
Why It Matters
The move underscores how regulatory shifts in one country can reshape the location and operations of digital creative businesses.
It raises questions about the implications of child-influencer incomes, digital entrepreneurship and how age-based rules apply in a global-online context.
For other under-16 creators in Australia, this may serve as a precedent: either exit the domestic ecosystem or accept significantly restricted online participation.
What to Watch
How platforms will enforce the age ban and whether it prompts further migration of digital creators abroad.
Whether Australia’s move leads to similar proposals elsewhere, and the broader impact on children’s rights, online work and creative industries.
The personal, educational and social impact on minors engaged in content creation when regulatory environments change.
