Meta And TikTok To Comply With Australia’s Under-16 Ban
Social media giants Meta (parent company of Facebook and Instagram) and TikTok have confirmed they will comply with Australia’s newly passed law banning children under the age of 16 from having accounts on major social media platforms. The law, which takes effect from December 10, 2025, is the first of its kind globally and imposes fines of up to A$49.5 million for violations.
What The Law Requires
The legislation mandates platforms to take “reasonable steps” to stop users below 16 from creating or maintaining accounts. While not obliging companies to verify every user’s age, the law requires effective systems to detect and deactivate underage accounts.
Platforms’ Response
Meta and TikTok expressed reservations about the feasibility of strict compliance, warning of risks such as pushing younger users toward less regulated platforms. Meta has suggested options like storing or deleting underage accounts until users reach 16, while TikTok said it would follow the law but highlighted potential unintended consequences.
Global Impact
The decision is being closely observed internationally as countries debate stronger protections for minors online. Australia’s move could set a precedent for other nations to impose similar age-based restrictions on social media usage.
