Australia’s Under-16 Social Media Ban: How It Will Work

Australia is set to introduce a world-first social media age ban, blocking anyone under 16 from creating accounts on major platforms starting December 10. The move is being closely watched by global regulators seeking ways to curb social media–related harms, though significant questions remain about how the rule will be enforced.

How age checks will work
From December 10, major social media companies must remove all Australian users under 16. Instagram alone estimates around 350,000 local users are aged 13–15 and would be affected.
Only users suspected of being underage will be asked to prove their age, and children will still be able to view some content without logging in—they just won’t be able to create accounts.

Verification methods
Platforms will be responsible for identifying underage users. While several verification technologies have been trialled, the Australian government has not mandated a single method.
Meta, Facebook’s parent company, has already begun deactivating accounts based on information provided at sign-up. Users wrongly flagged can verify their age using a “video selfie” or by submitting government-issued ID.

Which platforms are included
Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and TikTok fall under the ban, as do streaming platforms like Kick and Twitch.
YouTube was later added, despite initial suggestions it would be exempt for educational access.
Roblox, Pinterest, WhatsApp and several other popular services are currently excluded, though the list remains under review.

Anticipated workarounds
Authorities expect that many teenagers will try to bypass the restrictions, potentially by using fake IDs or AI-altered photos to appear older. Platforms are required to develop systems to counter these tactics.
The internet safety regulator acknowledges that “no solution is likely to be 100 percent effective all of the time.”

Penalties for non-compliance
The government concedes the rollout will be imperfect and that some underage users will slip through initially. However, companies face fines of up to $32 million if they fail to take “reasonable steps” to enforce the rules.
What counts as “reasonable” remains intentionally flexible. Regulators describe it as action that is “just and appropriate in the circumstances.”