Australia begins under-16 social media ban as platforms lock out young users: 5 things to know
Australia’s sweeping ban on social media accounts for children under 16 is now in force, triggering a mass lockout across Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and other major platforms. In the days leading up to the deadline, tech companies began disabling hundreds of thousands of teen accounts, marking the start of one of the world’s most closely watched attempts to curb online harms.
The law aims to shield children from online risks The Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Bill 2024 bars under-16s from using platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, and YouTube. Australian officials cite rising concerns over bullying, anxiety, predatory behaviour, and social pressure. With more than 96 per cent of teens online and hundreds of thousands active on major platforms, regulators say this is a necessary delay similar to age limits on alcohol, tobacco, and driving.
Teens and tech companies oppose the ban Most young users surveyed by ABC said the law won’t work, with many planning to continue using social media through alternative apps or workarounds. Two 15-year-olds have already mounted a constitutional challenge. Tech companies argue the rules are rushed and poorly designed, claiming they undermine existing safety tools. Despite this, platforms have begun mass deactivations and say they will comply.
Which platforms are included and which are exempt The ban applies to Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, Snapchat, TikTok, Twitch, X, Threads, YouTube, and Kick. Messaging and gaming-led services like WhatsApp, Discord, Messenger, Pinterest, Roblox, and YouTube Kids are exempt for now. Regulators say the list will be reviewed and updated as needed.
Companies must verify every user’s age Platforms are required to detect and remove underage users using age estimation tools, interaction patterns, device behaviour, and in some cases facial or voice analysis. They cannot demand government ID as the only method. Underage users can still view publicly available posts without logging in, but banning accounts is seen as enough to limit exposure to addictive algorithms and notifications.
Non-compliant platforms face steep fines There are no penalties for children or parents who bypass the ban, but companies face fines of up to 49.5 million Australian dollars for failing to take reasonable steps to block under-16 accounts. How and when these penalties will be enforced is still unclear, but the scale of the fines underscores the seriousness of the new regime.
