Overview
- Ten named services — Facebook, Instagram, Threads, TikTok, YouTube, Snapchat, X, Reddit, Twitch and Kick — must keep under‑16s off their platforms or face fines up to A$49.5 million.
- Twitch, Reddit and YouTube still allowed accounts registered with a 2011 birthdate on launch morning, while others blocked new sign‑ups; YouTube said restrictions are being rolled out over coming days.
- X was the last of the covered platforms to confirm compliance, saying “it’s not our choice,” as Meta began deactivating underage accounts and flagged appeals via selfie or government ID checks.
- Regulators will demand user numbers around the start date to test removals, with the eSafety Commissioner stressing reputational risk alongside penalties, even as a U.S. congressional panel seeks her testimony.
- Teens are gravitating to alternative or exempt services, with apps like Lemon8 and yope climbing downloads and experts warning bullying may shift to messaging platforms such as WhatsApp, Messenger and Discord.