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Australia Begins Enforcing Under‑16 Social Media Ban as Platforms Start Locking Accounts

Companies face fines up to A$49.5 million for failing to keep under‑16s off designated apps using age checks.

A school girl uses her phone as she walks with a group of kids in Sydney, Monday, Dec. 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft)
The ban will be monitored by experts to examine its merits and any unintended consequences.
Social media networking apps are displayed on a phone screen with the Australian flag displayed in the background.
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Overview

  • The law takes effect on Dec. 10 for Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, YouTube, Reddit, X, Threads, Twitch and Kick, with the regulator able to update the list.
  • Platforms are deploying age‑assurance tools such as age inference, selfie‑based estimation, ID checks and account signals to disable existing under‑16 accounts and block new sign‑ups, with Meta beginning removals last week.
  • Reddit condemned the measure as legally erroneous but said it will comply, YouTube labeled the law rushed, and officials acknowledge teens will attempt workarounds including VPNs and fake IDs.
  • Children and parents will not be penalized under the policy; polling shows strong public support alongside skepticism about effectiveness, with fewer than a third of parents planning to fully enforce access at home.
  • A High Court challenge from two 15‑year‑olds is pending, and governments abroad — including Malaysia and Denmark — are closely tracking Australia as they weigh similar rules.