The Australian government has announced that, from 10 December 2025, children under 16 will be prohibited from holding accounts on leading social media platforms to safeguard them from online risks.
Under the legislation, platforms including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, YouTube, X (formerly Twitter), Reddit and Twitch are classified as “age‑restricted social media platforms” and must take “reasonable steps” to prevent under‑16s from creating or maintaining accounts. Failure to comply could attract fines of up to AUD 49.5 million (approximately US $33 million).
The law places the responsibility entirely on social media companies, with minors and parents exempt from penalties. Government regulators stressed that children under 16 will still be able to view publicly available content, but without accounts, limiting interaction and exposure to potentially harmful features.
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“Age‑restricted social media platforms must implement systems to verify age and block under‑16s from creating accounts,” the legislation states, shifting the onus of compliance to tech companies.
Several platforms have already begun suspending accounts belonging to users aged 13 to 15, ahead of the compliance deadline.
The ban has provoked debate. Two 15-year-olds, supported by a digital rights group, have filed a lawsuit claiming the ban is “grossly excessive” and infringes constitutional rights, including freedom of political communication. Critics also warn that it may drive minors toward unregulated corners of the internet, where safety protections are weaker, while potentially limiting beneficial online activities such as educational engagement, creative expression, and social connection.
Supporters argue the legislation is a bold step to shield children from cyberbullying, addictive behaviours, and harmful content. Australian authorities hope the move will set a global precedent for child safety online.
