US EditionAustralia's world-first social media ban for under-16s comes into effect
Australia's law requires major platforms to block under-16s with fines up to $49.5 million AUD; some teens and rights groups challenge the ban in the High Court.
- On Wednesday, Australia implemented a world-first law banning under-16s from holding social media accounts, deactivating more than 1 million accounts across 10 platforms including Facebook and TikTok.
- Citing child welfare concerns, Australian officials argued the law aims to protect children, with the Australian federal parliament passing the bill in last year, following a study on social media use.
- Under the law, platforms must take `reasonable steps` to block under-16s, face fines up to 49.5 million Australian dollars, and Meta will start closing accounts on Dec. 4.
- Two 15-year-olds have mounted a High Court challenge arguing the law robs 2.6 million young Australians of an implied freedom, while Communications Minister Anika Wells said the government will defend the measure and not be intimidated.
- Tech companies say the ban could drive users to darker corners of the internet, platforms warn young users may turn to unregulated apps or VPNs, polling shows 73 percent support but only 26 percent confidence, and other countries are watching.
474 Articles
474 Articles
When The Internet Grew Up — And Locked Out Its Kids
In December 2025, the world crossed a threshold. For the first time ever, access to the major social media platforms was no longer guaranteed by interest, connection, or curiosity — but by a birth date. A new law in Australia decrees that people under 16 may no longer legally hold accounts on major social-media services.…
Australia’s Under-16 Social Media Ban: Well-being in a Digital World
Australia’s new law delaying social‑media account access for under‑16s reflects growing concerns about youth mental health and digital well-being. The Albanese Government has framed the policy as protecting children “at a critical stage of their development” from platform design features and content that can harm their health and resilience. This follows decades of research linking […] The post Australia’s Under-16 Social Media Ban: Well-being i…
Australia Bans Kids Under 16 Years Old From Social Media
Australia began enforcing the world’s first social media ban on Wednesday. The novel policy, which the Australian legislature passed last year, prohibits people under 16 years old from accessing social media. Platforms including Snapchat, Facebook, Instagram, Kick, Reddit, Threads, TikTok, Twitch, X and YouTube must verify their users’ ages or face millions of dollars in fines. “It’s a profound reform which will continue to reverberate around th…
German students have criticised Australia's decision to ban social media for minors under 16, saying the measure is wrong and not the right solution. According to them, education policy should not start with bans, but with educating and training young people to behave safely online. Quentin Gärtner from the National Student Conference in Germany stressed that young people need to be taught about the risks, how the platforms work and the impact o…
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