Australia Enforces Global First Social Media Ban for Under 16s

Australia has officially launched the world’s first social media ban for users under 16 years old. Starting today, the most widely used social media apps, including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube are now off-limits for under-16 users.

According to Guardian, platforms like Snapchat, X, Reddit, Twitch, Kick, and Threads must deactivate any existing accounts of under-16 users in Australia, and block any new registrations from minors.

The law behind the ban is the Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Act 2024. It empowers regulators to require platforms to take “reasonable steps” to prevent under-16s from accessing their services. Failure to do so can trigger fines as high as AU $49.5 million.

The decision caps off months of preparation. Many companies began notifying users and disabling under-age accounts in early December. Age verification is being handled in a variety of ways. Some apps request a government-issued ID or bank verification. Others rely on facial age estimation. Many also analyze behavioural data or linked account signals to identify under-age users.

Some services are currently exempt from the ban. Apps focused on messaging, education, gaming or more niche communities, including Discord, WhatsApp, GitHub, YouTube Kids, Roblox, Steam and LEGO Play, remain accessible to younger users for now. But the authorities made clear the list is not final. If teens flock to other platforms that replicate social media functions, those too could be added later.

The rationale behind the ban is protecting young people from online harm. Government officials emphasized concerns about mental health, addictive design, exposure to inappropriate content and cyberbullying.

The ban also reflects growing global unease over children’s exposure to social media in the digital age. Several countries and international bodies have been observing Australia’s approach closely, including nations such as Denmark, Malaysia and Norway, and the European Union.

To track compliance, starting December 11 the eSafety Commissioner will demand monthly reports from each banned platform documenting how many under-16 accounts have been closed, how many users attempted to sign up under-age, and what steps the platform took to prevent any new registrations.