Overview
- At a Senate inquiry, Meta, TikTok and Snap confirmed compliance despite arguing the law is flawed and could push younger users to less regulated parts of the internet.
- Platforms said they will deactivate or freeze under-16 accounts and provide deletion or archiving/download options, with paths to regain access once users verify they are 16.
- Meta will use Yoti for age assurance via video selfie, age estimation or government ID, while TikTok and Snap plan layered checks using behavioural signals and third-party tools.
- Roughly 1.5 million accounts are expected to be affected, with company estimates of about 450,000 for Meta, 200,000 for TikTok and 440,000 for Snap.
- Companies face fines up to A$49.5 million for failing to take “reasonable steps,” the regulator has signalled carve-outs for health and education services including WhatsApp and Messenger Kids, and a senator’s intimidation claim against TikTok was denied by the company.