Australia's 16-and-under social media ban goes into effect
Australia's 16-and-under social media ban goes into effect
Australia imposes a minimum age of 16 for major platforms to protect teens, with steep fines for non-compliance and ongoing global debate about online safety.
The move took effect on December 10, making Australia the first country to ban under-16s from using major social platforms. The ban blocks access to nearly 10 platforms, including X and Facebook. Platforms that don’t comply face fines up to A$49.5 million. The government says this aims to protect the mental health and well-being of young people, arguing social media can fuel cyberbullying, harmful content generation, and online predation.
In November 2024 the Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Bill 2024 introduced a minimum account age of 16 for select platforms. The reforms also restrict parents from providing consent for ages under 16; the onus is on platforms to enforce the age check.
Meta has begun warning teenagers between 13 and 15 to download their digital history and delete accounts, though verification across millions of users may take time. The Australian Communications and Media Authority notes there are about 150,000 Facebook users aged 13-15 and 350,000 Instagram users in the 13-15 bracket.
The policy has drawn international attention, with several European nations signaling interest and Britain keeping options open. Advocates say the measure could spark a broader debate about digital freedoms, internet governance, and the responsibilities of tech firms. Critics warn about enforcement challenges and the potential for teens to seek alternatives or sidestep restrictions.
Cover image source: Watch: Australia’s social media ban law: Lessons for India | Talking Politics 🔗
