In a dramatic response to Australia's proposed social media crackdown, one of Perth's most famous digital families has packed their bags and headed for London. The Empire Family, who built a massive YouTube following from their Cottesloe base, have made the international shift to protect their livelihood.
The controversial social media ban for under-16s proposed by the Australian government has sent shockwaves through the content creation community. For the Empire Family, whose channel features all family members including their children, the legislation posed an existential threat to their business model.
'We had to make a tough decision - watch everything we've built over years potentially disappear, or take proactive steps to secure our family's future,' explained the family in a recent statement. 'London offers us the creative freedom and platform access we need to continue connecting with our global audience.'
From Perth Beaches to London Streets
The transition from Cottesloe's iconic beaches to London's urban landscape represents more than just a change of scenery. It highlights the growing tension between government regulation and digital entrepreneurship in Australia.
The family's YouTube channel, known for its family-friendly content and vibrant vlogs, has amassed hundreds of thousands of subscribers and generates significant income through advertising and brand partnerships. With children central to their content, the proposed age restrictions would have effectively shut down their primary revenue stream.
A Growing Trend Among Australian Creators?
Industry experts suggest the Empire Family's move could be the beginning of a larger exodus. 'We're watching Australian content creators facing an impossible choice,' says digital media analyst Sarah Chen. 'Either reinvent their entire content strategy or relocate to markets with more favourable digital policies.'
London has emerged as a preferred destination due to its established creator economy, similar time zone for coordinating with Australian audiences, and less restrictive approach to youth social media access.
The family's relocation underscores the complex challenges facing digital-first businesses in an increasingly regulated online environment. As governments worldwide grapple with social media governance, content creators are voting with their passports - and the Empire Family's vote is clear.
