Overview
- Snapchat says hundreds of thousands of Australian users will receive prompts this week via app, email or SMS if their accounts are flagged as likely under 16 based on behavioral signals and self‑reported ages.
- Accepted verification options include an Australian bank account, a passport or driver’s licence, or an automated facial age estimate.
- Users who do not verify will have their accounts suspended from December 10 and they will remain locked until the account holder turns 16, with an option to download chats, memories and videos beforehand.
- Snap told an Australian Senate committee it estimates about 440,000 local users are aged 13 to 15, underscoring the scope of the checks.
- Meta has outlined its compliance approach, TikTok and Kick say they will comply without detailing measures, several platforms have not commented, and violations can draw fines up to AU$49.5 million, with the Guardian reporting YouTube is weighing a legal challenge.