TikTok, YouTube, Instagram banned for teens in Australia: Enforcement details
Photo: Children banned from using social media in Australia (Getty Images)
Australia has become the first country in the world to fully prohibit children under 16 from using social media. The restrictions came into effect today, December 10, according to Reuters.
The largest platforms — TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook — are required to block access for minors or face fines of up to 49.5 million Australian dollars (33 million USD).
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called the adoption of the law ''a proud day'' for Australian families and believes that the new rules will significantly reduce the harm of social media on teenagers' mental health. According to him, this is "one of the biggest social changes" and could serve as an example for other countries.
How the ban will work
The new rules cover the 10 largest social media platforms. Platforms must implement an age verification system, which may include:
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determining age based on behavioral indicators;
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uploading a selfie for age assessment;
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providing official documents or banking information.
Online Safety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant said that parents in the U.S. and other countries are already urging their governments to follow Australia's example.
At the same time, Elon Musk's X became the last platform to agree to comply with the requirements.
What critics say
Despite broad public support, the new law has been criticized by tech companies and free speech groups. They argue that the ban could limit young people’s access to communication and support. Some teenagers have also expressed concerns that the absence of social media could worsen their mental health and isolate them from communities that help them find like-minded peers.
According to the government, prior to the ban taking effect, 86% of children aged 8–15 were active social media users.
It is worth noting that Spain, Greece, and France are proposing age restrictions for social media users and age verification systems across the EU. These countries advocate setting a minimum age for platform access and strengthening parental controls due to the risks to children’s mental health.
Earlier, we reported that the government of Nepal blocked 26 major social media platforms — including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, YouTube, and LinkedIn — after the platforms refused to comply with new requirements for registration and the appointment of a local representative.
