Australia has become the first country to ban children under 16 from using major social media platforms, a move aimed at protecting young people from online harms. The law officially took effect at midnight local time on Wednesday (13:00 GMT Tuesday).
Platforms Affected
The ban applies to 10 of the world’s largest platforms, including:
- TikTok
- YouTube
- Snapchat
- Kick
- Twitch
- Threads
- X
Streaming services, messaging apps, and other platforms such as Roblox, Pinterest, and WhatsApp are currently exempt, though the government has indicated the list is under review. Companies face $33 million fines if they fail to remove underage Australian users.
Government Rationale
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said social media has become a platform for bullying, anxiety, scams, and online predators, calling it “a weapon for bullies” rather than a social tool.
Minister for Communications Anika Wells confirmed that regulators around the world are watching Australia’s experiment closely, with countries including Denmark, France, Greece, Romania, New Zealand, and Malaysia exploring similar restrictions.
Compliance and Enforcement
Social media companies are responsible for verifying the ages of users. Methods include:
- AI-based age estimation using photos
- Government-issued ID verification
While platforms like Meta and YouTube criticized the law as “rushed,” most have agreed to comply. Legal challenges are expected, including potential cases from Reddit and advocacy groups such as the Digital Freedom Project.
Australian authorities acknowledge that teenagers may find ways to circumvent the ban, but stress the law represents a significant step in addressing predatory algorithms and harmful online content.
Global Impact
The move positions Australia as a leader in child online safety legislation, prompting other nations to consider age-based social media restrictions. Malaysia plans to implement a similar law in 2026.
Al Jazeera reports that this initiative will be closely monitored internationally as governments grapple with balancing digital freedom and child protection in the age of social media.
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