Overview
- Enforcement starts December 10 and covers TikTok, Facebook, Instagram and Threads, X, Snapchat, YouTube, Reddit, Kick and Twitch.
- Meta has begun removing suspected under‑16 accounts as other companies signal compliance, with the eSafety regulator to start monthly removal reporting from December 11.
- Age checks will use tools such as government ID verification, facial analysis and ConnectID, triggering accuracy and data‑privacy concerns.
- A High Court challenge is pending with a hearing expected in February, while EU institutions are studying Australia’s model and weighing curfews, limits on addictive features and an EU age‑verification app.
- Polling shows strong voter support but doubts about practicality, with only 29% of parents planning full enforcement and many teens discussing VPNs, false ages or alternative apps.