Australia is poised to implement a world-first social media ban for children under the age of 16, with the new rules set to take effect in just one week. The legislation will require major tech platforms to deactivate accounts held by underage users and prevent new sign-ups, with non-compliance risking fines of up to $49.5 million.
Which Platforms Are Included in the Ban?
From 10 December, a specific list of platforms must take "reasonable steps" to prevent under-16s from holding accounts. The initial list, deemed by the Australian government, includes some of the world's largest social networks.
The platforms facing the ban are: Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, Reddit, Twitch, and Kick. Meta's Threads is also covered, as it requires an Instagram account to use.
The eSafety commissioner, Julie Inman Grant, has emphasised this is a "dynamic list." This means other platforms could be added later if children migrate to them and they raise similar safety concerns. Services like Lemon8 have already been flagged as potential future additions.
How Will Age Verification Work and What Happens to Accounts?
The method of age verification is largely left to individual platforms, with the government stipulating that requesting ID cannot be the sole option. Approaches will vary significantly.
Meta (Facebook, Instagram) has not disclosed its specific plans, arguing that doing so might help teens circumvent the ban. Snapchat will use behavioural signals and the birth date listed on accounts. TikTok promises a "multi-layered approach" using various technologies, with more details to come before the deadline.
For young users, account closure does not necessarily mean permanent deletion. On Facebook and Instagram, teens can choose to download their data and put their account on hold until they turn 16, or delete it entirely. TikTok and Snapchat are offering similar options to deactivate or archive content. YouTube will allow users to regain access at 16 with no content deleted.
Snapchat estimates this will affect around 440,000 Australian users aged 13 to 15.
Appeals, Exemptions, and Potential Delays
Users over 16 who are mistakenly flagged will need to navigate platform-specific appeals processes. Meta will use Yoti's facial age estimation or government ID checks. Snapchat will offer bank card checks, government ID, or a facial age estimation from k-ID.
Several platforms are exempt from the ban, as they are not considered to pose the same risk. These include Roblox, Pinterest, YouTube Kids, Discord, WhatsApp, GitHub, and educational or professional tools like Google Classroom and LinkedIn.
Despite a parliamentary committee recommending a six-month delay and a high court challenge from NSW MP John Ruddick on grounds of free political communication, the government shows no sign of postponing. The Prime Minister and Communications Minister remain committed to the 10 December start date.
Major platforms including Meta, TikTok, Snap, YouTube, Twitch, and Kick have stated they will comply. The eSafety commissioner has tempered expectations for day one, noting a "graduated risk and outcomes-based approach" to enforcement, focusing first on platforms with the highest proportion of underage users.
