The new law

Social media banned for under 16s in Australia from today: how the ban works

From 10 December, many teenagers will no longer be able to use platforms such as Instagram, TikTok and Snapchat. Tech companies will have to verify the age of users by removing the accounts of under-16s

by Massimo De Laurentiis

10 December 2025

Un adolescente tiene in mano un cellulare che mostra un messaggio della piattaforma di social media Instagram dopo che l'account è stato bloccato per la verifica dell'età a Sydney (Foto di AFP)

2' min read

Translated by AI

Versione italiana

2' min read

Translated by AI

Versione italiana

One of the world's toughest measures on minors' access to social media will come into force in Australia. The new law, passed in recent months, bans children under 16 from using the platforms and requires tech companies to remove existing accounts by 10 December. A measure that provides for penalties of up to almost AUD$50 million for each violation and aims to reduce the exposure of younger people to the risks of online life.

Which platforms are involved

The list includes Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, X, YouTube, Reddit, Twitch, Kick and, indirectly, Threads, which requires an Instagram profile to function. Instead, platforms such as Roblox, Pinterest, Discord, WhatsApp, YouTube Kids, Google Classroom and LinkedIn are excluded.

The government stated that this is a dynamic list. Other platforms could be added at a later stage in case of a massive shift of underage users to other social networks.

How the ban works

As of 10 December, all companies involved must deactivate the profiles of under-16s and block new registrations. The 'eSafety commissioner' Julie Inman Grant will check that 'reasonable measures' have been taken to prevent minors from accessing the site, under penalty of fines of up to AUD 49.5 million (about EUR 28 million).

Each platform will be able to choose how to verify the age of users, but the law specifies that requesting an identity document cannot be the only method. Snapchat, for instance, will use data indicated by accounts and certain behavioural signals. TikTok stated that it will combine automatic systems and human moderation. YouTube will rely on information linked to the Google account, while Meta has not explained in detail the controls to prevent users from using that information to circumvent the block.

What the children involved must do

On Meta's platforms, teenagers with an active account will be able to download photos, videos and messages before deactivation. On Facebook and Instagram, it will be possible to suspend the profile until the user turns 16, while TikTok will offer the option to archive content. Snapchat will freeze accounts, which will remain inactive until the user can prove that they are of the appropriate age. Even on YouTube, teenagers will be able to regain access when they turn 16 without losing their content.

Over-16s blocked by mistake will be able to appeal: Meta will provide facial recognition systems via video selfie or the sending of an ID, Snapchat will allow verification via ID card, selfie or a bank check. TikTok will also offer similar modes of confirmation, while the other platforms have not yet explained which modes of appeal will apply.

The entry into force and reactions

The government has taken into account that the system will not be fully effective from day one. As reported by the The Guardian, the Safety commissioner explained that the complete removal of accounts will take time and that the authority will adopt a phased approach based on different levels of risk to the platforms.

Meanwhile, a few days before the ban comes into effect, Australian broadcaster 10 News highlighted the risk that artificial intelligence chatbots might suggest to kids how to circumvent the ban.