Policy

Australia blocks under-16s from social media — a world first

Australia Bans Social Media for Under-16s
Under‑16s Blocked

• Key takeaways:

  • Australia has enacted a world-first law preventing under-16s from holding accounts on major social platforms.
  • Platforms including Facebook, Instagram, Threads, X, Snapchat, TikTok, Reddit, YouTube, Kick and Twitch must enforce the rules.
  • Companies must take “reasonable steps” to verify age (IDs, biometrics, bank details) or face fines up to A$49.5m.
  • The move has drawn mixed reactions, legal challenges and concerns about isolation and enforcement loopholes.

What the law does

The legislation, effective at midnight in Sydney, prohibits children under 16 from creating or keeping accounts on a list of mainstream social platforms. Parents and children are not criminalised; responsibility for compliance falls squarely on technology companies.

Australian officials say the change is intended to protect young people from harmful material and delay early exposure to social media.

Platforms affected and penalties

The government has named major services that must comply, including Facebook, Instagram, Threads, X, Snapchat, TikTok, Reddit, YouTube, Kick and Twitch. The list will be kept under review.

Companies that fail to take "reasonable steps" to stop under‑16s accessing services face fines of up to A$49.5m (about US$32m). The government says enforcement will target firms rather than families.

How companies must enforce the ban

The law directs platforms to use multiple age‑assurance measures such as government IDs, bank account checks, selfies or biometric checks like face or voice recognition. Firms have already begun implementing layered systems; Meta removed some under‑16 Australian accounts in advance.

Authorities acknowledge enforcement could be difficult. Experts warn of evasion through fake profiles, shared family accounts or VPNs, and of privacy and proportionality concerns around biometric checks.

Reaction is divided. Supporters — including bereaved parents and some public-health advocates — say the move protects vulnerable children from abuse and addictive content. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese framed it as giving kids a chance to "have a childhood."

Critics warn the ban risks isolating marginalised young people who rely on online communities. A 15‑year‑old with a disability told reporters social media had expanded his world, calling the ban a "band‑aid solution."

Two 15‑year‑olds, backed by the Digital Freedom Project, have launched a High Court challenge arguing the law curtails young people's right to communicate. Communications Minister Anika Wells has vowed the government will not be intimidated by legal threats.

International eyes and next steps

Regulators and governments worldwide are watching closely. Ofcom chief Melanie Dawes called it a "very big step" and said other countries will be interested in how it plays out. The practical test will be whether platforms can reliably verify age while avoiding harmful side effects for vulnerable users.

Read more