Australia to Ban Social Media for Under-16s in Landmark Safety Move

Starting December 10, 2025, Australia will ban social media access for users under 16, marking one of the world’s strictest measures to protect minors online. Platforms failing to verify users’ ages face severe financial penalties. The legislation targets major services such as Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok amid growing concerns over cyberbullying and harmful content.

Social media companies must implement robust age-verification methods, including government ID checks, facial age estimation, or linked bank accounts. Platforms that fail to comply or host underage users will have accounts locked after the December deadline. Authorities may expand the banned list to additional platforms over time, ensuring the law adapts to the evolving digital landscape.

Australia’s approach has drawn global attention. Malaysia plans a similar ban in 2026, and New Zealand is preparing comparable legislation. However, some tech companies, including Snapchat, warn that cutting off teens could push them to unregulated, less secure apps. Experts also question the enforceability of age verification technologies and debate the law’s overall effectiveness in safeguarding children online.