Australia Starts Enforcing Under-16 Social Media Ban
Australia has begun implementing its new law banning users under 16 from maintaining social media accounts. Major platforms, including Meta, TikTok, Snapchat and YouTube, have started identifying and disabling accounts belonging to users aged 13 to 15 ahead of the full rollout on December 10.
Meta Locks Accounts To Comply With Law
Meta has notified under-16 users that their accounts will be locked and new sign-ups barred. Other platforms have begun similar enforcement steps. Companies that fail to comply face penalties of up to A$49.5 million, making this one of the world’s toughest child-safety regulations.
Government Cites Mental Health And Safety Risks
Australia’s cyber-safety regulator said the measure follows years of failed attempts at partial restrictions. Officials pointed to research linking excessive social-media use among teenagers to anxiety, depression and exposure to harmful content, arguing that a strict age cutoff is now necessary for child protection.
Critics And Legal Challenge Raise Concerns
The law has sparked debate, with critics warning it may limit teens’ access to information and push them toward unregulated online spaces. Two 15-year-olds have petitioned the High Court, claiming the ban infringes on freedom of expression. A ruling is expected after the policy takes full effect.
