A nationwide ban on social media accounts for children under 16 in Australia came into effect on Wednesday.
The country passed a law last year that bars minors from having social media accounts on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook and Reddit.
If companies fail to comply with new rules to keep minors off their platforms, they will face fines of up to A$49.5 million (€30 million).
“This really is a proud day to be Australian,” Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said, calling the measure a major step toward improving online safety for young people.
Here are the main points:
- Australia blocks under-16s on major social media platforms
- Platform faces fines of up to A$49.5 million for non-compliance
- As soon as the law came into effect on Wednesday, children’s access started reducing.
- Tech companies and rights groups have criticized the move
- Other governments are studying Australia’s model
Albanese called the reform “one of the greatest social and cultural changes our country has ever faced.”
Major platforms need to block minors
The ten largest platforms were ordered to adopt age-verification measures from midnight local time.
TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, and Reddit are all included, along with streaming platforms like Twitch and Kik.
WhatsApp, email services, online games and educational tools are exempted from the ban.
Hundreds of thousands of young users were automatically logged out when the law went into effect. In the hours before the cutoff, some kids posted farewells to their online audience using tags like “#Seeyouwhenim16.”
Government cites growing concerns about online harm
The Albany government said the restrictions are intended to reduce cyberbullying, disturbing content and other risks associated with heavy social media use among teens.
Albanese acknowledged the challenges in implementing the ban, saying, “It won’t be perfect. It’s a huge change. The success is that it’s happening. The success is that we’re having this discussion.”
X, Meta and digital groups criticize the law
Major platforms and civil liberties groups have criticized the law.
Meta, which owns Facebook and Instagram, said the rules could push children toward less regulated online spaces.
Elon Musk-owned Ax said the cutoff was mandated by Canberra: “It’s not our choice – it’s a requirement of Australian law.”
The companies have told the government they will use age-estimation tools, selfie-based estimation and alternative ID checks to determine a user’s age. Canberra says the list of covered platforms will evolve as new products attract younger audiences.
Legal challenges and global attention
Reddit said it could not confirm reports it may challenge the ban in Australia’s High Court. A digital-rights group has already filed its own bid to restore access for teens.
Several governments, including New Zealand, Denmark and Malaysia, have indicated they may study or emulate Australia’s approach.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen previously said she was “inspired” by the Australian move to impose age restrictions.
Edited by: Roshni Majumdar