Overview
- The law, in force since December 10, 2025, sets a minimum age of 16 on specified social platforms and carries penalties of up to A$49.5 million for non-compliance.
- Meta said it removed about 550,000 Instagram, Facebook and Threads accounts shortly after the rules took effect as platforms roll out age checks.
- Reddit says it is following the rules operationally while pursuing a legal challenge to the ban.
- Authorities allow platforms to choose methods such as data analysis, photo checks or ID to verify age, and they acknowledge some minors will still evade detection.
- Messaging and gaming services including WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Pinterest and YouTube Kids are exempt, while France, Malaysia and Indonesia are exploring similar laws and Australia plans a multi‑year mental-health study.