Australia has implemented a groundbreaking ban on social media for users under 16, affecting millions of children and teenagers. From Wednesday, platforms including TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, Snapchat, Reddit, Kick, Twitch and Threads are required to remove accounts held by under-16s and prevent new registrations. The ban, the first of its kind globally, has drawn international attention, with several nations considering similar measures.
The eSafety commissioner, Julie Inman Grant, confirmed that all listed platforms except X had agreed to comply. X has not yet communicated its policy to users, though discussions are ongoing. Bluesky, an X alternative, announced it would also ban under-16s despite being assessed as low risk due to its small Australian user base of 50,000. The ban has faced implementation challenges, with some under-16s reportedly passing facial age assurance tests, but the government acknowledges perfection is not expected immediately.
Parents have shared mixed reactions. One parent reported their 15-year-old daughter was distressed after being identified as under 16 while friends were verified as 18 by Snapchat, fearing social exclusion. Another parent said the ban forced them to teach their child how to bypass restrictions using VPNs and adult accounts. Conversely, some parents welcomed the ban, describing it as a support framework to keep children off addictive platforms.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese defended the policy, comparing it to the legal drinking age and stating that while not perfect, the law sends a clear national standard. Polling shows two-thirds of voters support the ban, though opposition leader Sussan Ley has voiced alarm despite her party backing the legislation. The ban has prompted interest from Malaysia, Denmark, Norway, and the European Union, with the UK government monitoring Australia's approach.
From Thursday, the eSafety commissioner will issue notices to platforms to assess implementation progress, including deactivated accounts, challenges faced, and prevention of circumvention. The regulator will evaluate whether platforms are taking reasonable steps, with potential enforcement actions if necessary. The government plans to make the gathered information public.
