Australia is set to become the first country in the world to ban social media use among minors under 16, with major technology companies now moving to comply before the December 10 deadline. Over the coming days, online platforms such as TikTok, Snapchat, and Meta’s Facebook, Instagram, and Threads will begin contacting more than one million Australian users suspected to be underage, offering them a stark choice: download their data, suspend their accounts, or risk losing access entirely.
Major Platforms Move Into Compliance
According to several sources familiar with the rollout, the social media giants are preparing to deactivate accounts registered to users under 16 years old. The move marks a significant shift from earlier resistance by tech firms, which had warned that strict age verification rules would harm user experience and risk major fines—up to A$49.5 million (US$32 million)—for noncompliance.
However, the platforms now appear to be embracing the new framework, which experts say could become a model for other countries seeking to limit youth exposure to social media’s mental health risks.
Australia’s remaining 20 million users—about four-fifths of the population—are expected to experience minimal disruption as companies implement the measures.
How the Ban Will Work
Rather than requiring users to constantly re-enter personal details, social media firms plan to rely primarily on existing software that estimates a user’s age based on behavioral patterns—such as “likes,” engagement times, and viewing habits. This technology, originally developed for marketing analytics, will now be repurposed for compliance.
If an account is mistakenly flagged, users can challenge the decision through third-party age assurance apps. These apps estimate age through a facial analysis selfie, and if necessary, allow users to upload government-issued identification for verification.
According to Julie Dawson, Chief Policy Officer at age-assurance provider Yoti, the rollout is expected to settle quickly:
“There’ll be a maximum of two to three weeks of people adjusting to the process, and then it becomes part of everyday digital life,” she said.
Still, researchers warn that the technology isn’t flawless. Photo-based age estimation can struggle with accuracy among 16- and 17-year-olds, who may lack standard identification like driver’s licenses. Around 600,000 Australians fall within that age group, according to government data.
From Controversy to Global Leadership
The ban follows growing international concern over the impact of social media on young users. Revelations in 2021 from leaked internal Meta documents showed the company was aware of its platforms’ harmful effects on teens, sparking global debate.
In Australia, the release of The Anxious Generation in 2024 and a campaign led by News Corp’s Australian branch intensified pressure on policymakers. Despite fierce opposition from free-speech advocates and content creators, the legislation passed, mandating that platforms block minors without parental discretion.
TikTok, which disclosed to Parliament that it has approximately 200,000 Australian users aged 13 to 15, has confirmed it is developing new reporting tools for identifying underage users. Meanwhile, Australian-owned streaming platform Kick—embroiled in controversy earlier this year after a livestreamed death—has pledged full compliance and announced plans for “a range of safety measures.”
Setting a Global Precedent
Experts say Australia’s rollout could influence how other nations approach digital safety. Britain and France recently enforced age checks for adult websites, and Denmark announced plans to restrict under-15s from joining social media platforms.
“The world is watching Australia,” said Stephen Wilson, founder of identity verification firm Lockstep, which advises both Australian and U.S. governments. “If this system works, it could become the template for managing digital identity and child safety online.”
Under the new law, companies must take “reasonable steps” to prevent minors from accessing their platforms, including detecting users attempting to bypass restrictions with virtual private networks (VPNs).
Despite potential hurdles, analysts believe Australia’s initiative represents a turning point in global online governance.
“This could reshape how societies balance freedom of expression with child protection,” said Hassan Asghar, a senior computer science lecturer at Macquarie University. “If done right, it may set a standard for the rest of the digital world.”
Source :Africa Publicity
