Overview
- Snapchat says users it assesses as likely under 16 in Australia will begin receiving prompts to verify their age this week, with accounts to be locked from December 10 if they cannot.
- Verification options include ConnectID checks via Australian banks that return a simple over‑16 yes/no, government photo ID uploads, or k‑ID facial age estimation using a selfie.
- Snap estimates about 440,000 Australian Snapchatters aged 13–15 could be affected; the company disputes being classified as social media but will comply, allowing data downloads now and reactivation once users verify they are 16.
- Meta has already started alerting users flagged as under 16, and platforms that fail to take reasonable steps to prevent underage access face enforcement by the eSafety commissioner with fines up to about A$49.5 million.
- Malaysia’s communications minister says the country plans to bar under‑16s from social media from 2026 and will require eKYC checks, citing Australia’s model as a reference.