Australia Implements Social Media Ban for Users Under 16

Australia is set to enforce a groundbreaking social media ban for users under the age of 16, effective from 10 December 2025. This policy requires social media companies to implement measures that prevent minors from creating accounts and mandates the removal of existing accounts held by users in this age group.

The Australian government has introduced this legislation as a means to mitigate the risks and pressures that children face on social media platforms. These risks are attributed to design features that encourage prolonged screen time and expose young users to potentially damaging content. A recent study commissioned by the government revealed that 96% of children aged 10 to 15 engage with social media, with 70% reporting exposure to harmful behaviours and content, including material promoting body image issues and violence.

The ban encompasses ten major platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, and X (formerly Twitter). Authorities are also contemplating extending the ban to online gaming platforms, leading some, such as Roblox and Discord, to implement age verification measures to avert inclusion in the restrictions.

As part of the enforcement strategy, social media companies are required to adopt age assurance technologies. While the government has not specified the exact methods to be employed, possibilities include government-issued identification, facial recognition, and online behaviour analysis to estimate user ages. The government has stressed that simply relying on self-reported ages or parental verification will not suffice.

Meta, which operates Facebook, Instagram, and Threads, announced that it will start deactivating accounts for users under 16 by 4 December. Affected users will receive notifications via email and in-app messages, providing them with a 14-day warning prior to account removal. Users will be able to download their content before losing access and can return once they turn 16.

Despite the government's commitment to protecting children's online safety, concerns have been raised about the effectiveness of age verification technologies. Critics argue that these systems may incorrectly block legitimate users while failing to identify those who are underage. Former Facebook executive Stephen Scheeler remarked, "It takes Meta about an hour and 52 minutes to make $50 million in revenue," suggesting that the imposed fines for non-compliance might not serve as a strong deterrent.

Moreover, some industry experts have expressed that the ban could inadvertently push children towards less regulated and potentially more dangerous corners of the internet. They advocate for educational initiatives that teach children how to navigate social media safely instead of outright bans.

Communications Minister Annika Wells acknowledged the potential imperfections of the new law, stating, "It's going to look a bit untidy on the way through. Big reforms always do."

The legislation has also sparked debates regarding data privacy, as the implementation of age verification methods necessitates the collection and storage of sensitive user data. Critics warn that this could lead to data breaches, a concern heightened by Australia’s recent history of high-profile data security incidents.

As the ban approaches, some teenagers have reported opening accounts using false ages, anticipating the restrictions. The government expects social media companies to actively monitor and remove these accounts. Suggestions for using Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) to circumvent the ban are also circulating among youth.

Internationally, Australia’s initiative is attracting attention as it represents a unique approach to regulating children's access to social media. Similar measures have been proposed in several countries, including the UK and several European nations, but none have implemented a total ban on the platforms involved. The UK, for example, has introduced new safety regulations that impose substantial penalties on companies failing to protect minors online.

In conclusion, Australia's pioneering legislation is set to reshape the landscape of social media usage among young users, with significant implications for platforms and their compliance strategies. As the deadline approaches, the effectiveness of this ban and its impact on children's online safety remains to be seen.