Australia Enforces Sweeping Ban for Under-16s

Australia has now blocked children under 16 from using major social media platforms. The new rule takes effect on Wednesday and marks a global first. Lawmakers say the move aims to protect children from addictive algorithms, online predators, and digital bullying.

Moreover, governments worldwide are watching closely. No other nation has taken such broad action. Officials believe the new age-verification systems will reshape the online experience for millions of teens.

How Platforms Are Responding

Most platforms say they will follow the law, even though some doubt it will increase safety. Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Twitch, Reddit, and Kick fall under the ban.

Additionally, each platform has its own compliance plan:

• Snapchat will suspend accounts for three years or until users turn 16.
• YouTube will sign out under-16 users and hide their channels.
• TikTok plans to deactivate all accounts used by under-16s on December 10.
• Twitch will block new under-16 accounts starting December 10 and deactivate existing ones on January 9.
• Meta already removed Instagram, Facebook, and Threads accounts for under-16s.
• Reddit will suspend under-16 accounts and block new ones.

However, X has not explained how it will comply and continues to oppose the law.

Platforms must take “reasonable steps” to block under-16s or face fines up to AUD 49.5 million.

Which Platforms Are Not Banned?

Some widely used platforms remain allowed, including Discord, Roblox, Pinterest, Steam, WhatsApp, Google Classroom, LEGO Play, Messenger, and YouTube Kids.

However, Roblox raised concerns because of past reports involving adult predators. Even so, the platform agreed to add new age controls. Children will soon need age verification to use chat features and will only chat with users of similar age.

How Age Verification Works

Platforms already know the ages users enter at signup. But the new law requires active verification. Consequently, many services now use:

• Live video selfies
• Email checks
• Identity documents

Most users choose video selfies, which estimate age using facial data points. Officials say these methods protect privacy.

Teens Already Searching for Alternatives

Some teens are shifting to platforms outside the ban. Yope reported 100,000 new Australian users this week. Lemon8 also gained attention, but both platforms received warnings. Authorities say the list of banned platforms will grow as trends shift.

What Happens Next

Officials want to see whether kids sleep better, read more, and spend more time offline. However, they also worry teens may move into unregulated spaces.

Therefore, Stanford University researchers will help track outcomes. Their findings will be released publicly to guide global policy.

Australia’s experiment may soon influence many other nations as the world debates how to keep children safe online.

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