The ‘Empire Family,’ a popular Australian YouTube family, has announced their relocation to the United Kingdom in response to Australia’s impending social media ban for individuals under 16 years old. The ban, set to take effect in December, is the first of its kind globally and will require platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, X, and YouTube to deactivate accounts of users under 16 and prevent them from creating new ones. The family, consisting of mothers Beck and Bec Lea, 17-year-old son Prezley, and 14-year-old daughter Charlotte, expressed their concerns about the ban’s impact on their daughter’s ability to continue creating content. While the family acknowledges the ban’s intent to protect young people from online harm, they emphasize their use of social media for positive purposes. The move to the UK, where Charlotte can continue her online presence, was facilitated by the family’s dual British-Australian citizenship and Charlotte’s recent transition to online schooling. The family’s YouTube channels, which feature makeup tutorials, gaming sessions, and family vlogs, boast millions of subscribers, with Prezley’s account alone attracting 2.8 million followers. The ban’s implementation methods, including ID verification and facial recognition, have raised concerns about data privacy and accuracy. The family’s decision highlights the broader debate over balancing online safety with creative freedom for young content creators.