Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Perth Influencer Family Relocates to London Over Australia’s Under-16 Social-Media Ban

Their move spotlights a December 2025 law banning accounts for under‑16s with platform penalties up to A$50 million.

Overview

  • The Empire Family says it is leaving Australia so 14-year-old Charli can keep posting, announcing the decision in a video.
  • Australia’s Online Safety Amendment, passed in 2024, takes effect in December 2025 and prohibits under‑16s from operating social‑media accounts.
  • Platforms including TikTok, Instagram, YouTube and X face fines of up to A$50 million if they fail to block underage users.
  • The government frames the measure as protecting children from cyberbullying, addictive behavior and mental‑health harms.
  • Critics warn of intrusions on digital freedom and question whether reliable age verification and enforcement are feasible.