Australia targets underage social media 

December 8, 2025

Australia is preparing to enforce a sweeping new rule that will ban anyone under 16 from maintaining accounts on major social media platforms beginning December 10. The move, described as the first of its kind globally, aims to curb the risks posed by social media to young users. Regulators worldwide are watching the rollout closely as Australia attempts to pressure tech companies into stricter compliance and improved safety measures.

Under the new framework, platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, Twitch and Kick will be required to remove all Australian users under 16. Instagram alone estimates about 350,000 Australian users aged 13 to 15, indicating the scale of change ahead. Not every user will need to provide proof of age. Verification will apply only to accounts flagged as potentially breaching the age limit, and young people will still be able to browse certain content without logging in, though they will no longer be allowed to create accounts.

Tech companies will carry the responsibility of identifying underage accounts. Trials have tested several verification methods, but the government has not mandated a single system. Meta has already begun removing accounts using information supplied during account creation. Users who believe they were incorrectly flagged will be able to verify their age through a video selfie or government-issued identification.

The question of which platforms fall under the ban remains contentious. YouTube was eventually included, despite earlier government comments that it might be exempt to allow children to access educational material. Other platforms such as Roblox, Pinterest and WhatsApp are currently exempt, though the list may evolve as regulators review additional services.

Authorities expect some teenagers to try to evade the rules. Guidelines warn that minors may attempt to use falsified identification or AI-generated images to appear older. Platforms are expected to develop and implement their own systems to detect such attempts. The national internet safety watchdog has acknowledged that no approach will be fully effective and that gaps will persist.

Despite expected early challenges, Australia is pressing ahead with strong enforcement measures. Platforms that fail to take reasonable steps to identify and remove underage users could face fines of up to 32 million dollars. The government accepts that the rollout will not be perfect, but it says the policy marks an important step toward reducing the risks social media poses to younger users.