Australia Blocks Social Media for Under-16s

 

Millions of Australian children woke up recently to find their social media accounts blocked under a groundbreaking law aimed at protecting those under 16 from addictive algorithms, cyberbullying, and online predators. The measure, the first of its kind globally, is attracting attention from governments and regulators worldwide.

The law targets 10 major platforms—Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Snapchat, YouTube, TikTok, Kick, Reddit, Twitch, and X. These companies have agreed to comply by implementing age verification measures to identify under-16 users and suspend their accounts. However, many of the platforms question whether the law will genuinely make children safer online.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called the legislation a “proud day” for Australia, saying it empowers families and gives children the chance to enjoy a safer, more balanced childhood. He acknowledged, though, that enforcing the ban would be complex. Platforms face fines of up to 49.5 million Australian dollars ($32 million) if they fail to take “reasonable steps” to deactivate accounts for under-16s or prevent new registrations.

How Platforms Are Responding

Different services are taking varied approaches. Snapchat accounts for children under 16 will be suspended until users reach 16, or for three years. YouTube will automatically log out underage users, hide their channels, and save data for reactivation once they reach 16, while still allowing them to watch content without logging in. TikTok will deactivate under-16 accounts, removing prior posts and relying on its verification technology to determine age. Parents are encouraged to report suspected false age claims.

Meta has begun removing under-16 accounts on Instagram, Facebook, and Threads, allowing users to download their content for future reactivation. Reddit will suspend underage accounts and block new registrations, whereas X has not provided details but publicly opposes the law, citing free speech concerns. Twitch will delay deactivating current under-16 accounts until January 9 but will block new registrations starting December 10. Kick has not responded.

Identifying Underage Users and Challenges

Platforms already had users’ birthdates, but the law requires proactive age verification. Methods include video selfies analyzed for age estimation, email checks, or official documents. The Age Assurance Technology Trial earlier this year convinced authorities that verification could be done without violating privacy.

Despite these measures, experts worry that some children and parents may attempt to bypass restrictions, though there are no penalties for doing so. Moreover, younger users are exploring alternative platforms like Yope and Lemon8, which have seen surges in Australian sign-ups. Regulators are monitoring these sites and may expand the list of banned services as new options gain popularity.

Potential Consequences and Next Steps

The government hopes the ban will encourage children to spend more time offline, engage in real-world activities, sleep better, read more, and participate in sports. eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant said authorities will also track unintended outcomes, such as migration to unregulated or riskier online spaces.

Six experts from Stanford University’s Social Media Lab will assist with data collection, and findings will be reviewed by an independent Academic Advisory Group of 11 international academics. The results, which will be made public, aim to inform both Australian policymakers and other countries considering similar regulations for protecting children online.