Australia on Wednesday became the first country to formally block users under sixteen from accessing major social media platforms. The move is expected to be closely watched by technology companies and policymakers around the world.
The ban took effect from midnight local time and applies to ten major platforms. These include YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, Reddit, Snapchat and X.
The rule requires platforms to take reasonable steps to stop underage users from creating or accessing accounts. Methods include analysing online behaviour, facial estimation through selfies, uploaded identification documents and linked bank details.
All affected companies have agreed to follow the policy in some form. X had been one of the last to hold out but confirmed on Wednesday that it would comply.
The new rule means millions of children in Australia are likely to lose access to their social media accounts. The influence of this policy may extend further, as several governments including Denmark, Norway, France, Spain, Malaysia and New Zealand are studying similar actions.
A survey by YouGov last year found that seventy seven per cent of Australians supported the under sixteen ban. Even so, the rollout has faced resistance since it became law.
Supporters argue that the policy protects children from harms such as cyberbullying, mental health problems and exposure to predators and inappropriate content. Social psychologist Jonathan Haidt welcomed the ban on Wednesday. In a post on X he praised Australia for “freeing kids under sixteen from the social media trap.” He added that early difficulties were expected and that many nations would follow.
Critics say the rule limits freedom of expression and access to information. They also warn that age checks may invade privacy and that the policy might undermine parents. Groups such as Amnesty Tech said the ban is ineffective and does not address the rights and realities of young people. Damini Satija said that stronger data protection laws and better platform design offer more meaningful protection.
Others warn that children will bypass the restrictions through new platforms, private apps or VPNs, placing them in less safe spaces. Technology companies have also said the rule will be difficult to enforce, and reports in Australia on Wednesday noted that some children had already evaded the system.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said earlier this week that the system would not work perfectly at first. He compared it to liquor laws and said that the value lies in having a clear national standard.
Experts said the rollout will face challenges and that regulators must rely on trial and error. Terry Flew from the University of Sydney said that many young users had already posted online about avoiding the age limits and that this was expected. He said it was never possible to remove every under sixteen user on day one.
Governments and technology firms worldwide are expected to watch the rollout closely. The European Parliament has supported a minimum age of sixteen for social media use and proposed rules to limit addictive features for minors. Malaysia and New Zealand are also working on proposals for under sixteen bans.
Tama Leaver from Curtin University said he hopes other countries will learn from Australia and avoid repeating its mistakes. He added that platforms must offer safer experiences for young users if they want to avoid stricter rules in more countries.
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