Overview
- The law took effect on December 10, requiring major platforms to deactivate accounts for users under 16 and to take reasonable steps to block new ones or face fines up to A$49.5 million.
- Reddit filed a High Court challenge arguing the rules infringe the implied freedom of political communication and misclassify the site, seeking to void the law or win an exemption.
- Platforms began large‑scale deactivations in the days before the start date, with the eSafety regulator issuing compliance notices and demanding reporting on age‑assurance measures.
- Early rollout shows widespread circumvention via VPNs, false birthdates and family accounts, with Communications Minister Anika Wells cautioning that verification will take time and warning of penalties for systemic breaches.
- Age checks relying on facial scans, ID uploads and behavioral inference are drawing privacy and accuracy concerns, while governments in Denmark, Malaysia, New Zealand and parts of the EU study Australia’s approach as a potential template.