Overview
- Ban takes effect on December 10 for 10 named services including Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Snapchat, YouTube, X, Reddit, Threads, Twitch and Kick, while Discord, Roblox and other gaming or messaging apps are excluded.
- Meta began deactivations on December 4 and TikTok and Snapchat outlined verification and appeals pathways that can include bank‑based ConnectID, government ID and facial age estimation.
- The eSafety Commissioner will compel monthly reports on under‑age account removals and can seek penalties of up to A$49.5 million for failing to take reasonable steps, with the minister signaling initial rollout leniency.
- Australia’s High Court has agreed to hear a challenge from two 15‑year‑olds on constitutional free‑communication grounds, and the government says it is confident the law will be upheld.
- Teens and parents are preparing workarounds and migrations to lesser‑known apps during the school holidays, while governments in Malaysia, the EU and New Zealand watch Australia’s rollout for lessons.