In a historic move aimed at protecting young users, Australia has officially introduced a law prohibiting children and teenagers under the age of 16 from accessing major social media platforms.
Under the Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Act 2024, platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, Facebook, YouTube, X, and Reddit are now required to prevent anyone below 16 from creating or maintaining accounts.
Any existing accounts belonging to users under the age threshold must be deactivated immediately.
The legislation shifts the burden of compliance squarely onto the social media companies themselves rather than parents or the young users.
Platforms found in violation risk fines of up to A$49.5 million (approximately US$33 million), underscoring the government’s strict approach to digital safety.
Proponents of the law argue it is a necessary step to protect young people from online harms, including exposure to inappropriate content, mental health challenges, and addictive digital behaviours.
“This is about safeguarding children in an environment that is increasingly unregulated and potentially harmful,” said a spokesperson for the Department of Communications.
However, critics cautioned that the ban could inadvertently isolate teenagers who rely on social media for connection and self-expression.
Concerns have also been raised about the practicalities of enforcing age verification.
How platforms would reliably determine the age of users without infringing on privacy remains a major point of debate.
Digital rights advocates warned that banning access may drive teens to unmonitored or less secure corners of the internet, potentially exacerbating the very risks the law seeks to reduce.
Despite these challenges, Australia is moving forward with a firm stance on youth online safety, marking a significant precedent in the global debate over the age limits for social media access.
