Australia Launches World-First Social Media Ban for Under-16s

Tech giant Meta has started removing users under 16 in Australia. The action is ahead of a new national law coming into force. The law mandates all major platforms to block young teens.

The landmark ban officially starts on December 10. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok must comply. Failure to do so could result in massive fines.

Meta Begins Compliance Process Ahead of Deadline

According to a company spokesperson, Meta is working to remove all underage users. They aim to meet the December 10 deadline. The process is described as ongoing and multi-layered.

The company stated it is committed to following the Australian law. However, Meta argued for a different approach to age verification. They believe app stores should be responsible for checking ages.

Platforms face fines of A$49.5 million for non-compliance. This equates to roughly US$32 million. The law requires them to take “reasonable steps” to identify and block minors.

Affected young users can download their data before removal. Meta says it will notify them before they turn 16. Their content will be restored at that time.

Industry Pushback and Government Response

YouTube has also criticized the new legislation. The video platform argued the ban could make young Australians “less safe.” They claim teens will lose access to important safety filters.

Communications Minister Anika Wells dismissed YouTube’s argument. She called the position “weird.” The minister stated YouTube must fix any unsafe content on its own site.

The government is holding firm on the new rules. The law is a world-first attempt to regulate teen social media access. Its long-term impact on digital culture is being closely watched.

This unprecedented social media ban sets a global precedent for online child safety. Australia’s strict enforcement will test the power of national laws over global tech platforms.

Info at your fingertips-

Q1: Which social media platforms are affected by the ban?

The law applies to all major platforms operating in Australia. This explicitly includes Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and others. They must identify and block users under 16.

Q2: What happens to the accounts of removed users?

Young users can save their data before deletion. Meta says it will notify them when they near age 16. Their profiles and content can be fully restored at that time.

Q3: How is the ban being enforced?

Platforms must take “reasonable steps” to find and remove underage accounts. If they fail, they face fines of A$49.5 million. Compliance is an ongoing process for the companies.

Q4: Why do some companies oppose the law?

Meta argues app stores should verify age, not individual apps. YouTube says the ban removes safety features for teens. Both companies favor different regulatory approaches.

Q5: Can parents override the ban?

The law does not include a parental override provision. The ban is universal for all users under 16 in Australia. The goal is a blanket restriction on access.

Q6: When does the law officially start?

The Social Media Ban Act comes into force on December 10, 2025. Platforms are working to comply by that date. Meta has already begun the removal process.