Australia Becomes First Country to Ban Social Media for Under-16s
Australia has officially become the first nation in the world to prohibit social media access for children under the age of 16, implementing a groundbreaking law on December 10. The move comes as major tech companies rush to comply and critics prepare a High Court challenge.
Passed by parliament on November 28, 2024, the legislation compels platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and Snapchat to take “reasonable steps” to block underage users or face penalties of up to A$49.5 million (US$32 million). Meta began shutting down underage accounts a day early, signaling strict adherence.
TikTok warned users that existing teen accounts will be deactivated and previously posted content will no longer be visible, acknowledging that the policy might upset some young people but insisting on compliance with Australian law.
Tech Companies Push Back
Major platforms have sharply criticized the legislation, calling it rushed, impractical, and even counterproductive. YouTube argued that the ban would make the platform less safe for children by eliminating parental controls that only function when users are logged in.
Communications Minister Anika Wells dismissed these objections as “strange,” questioning why YouTube would highlight platform dangers while opposing a measure aimed at protecting minors.
Google further stated, “This law will not make kids safer online — in fact, it will make Australian youth less safe on YouTube.”
A Precedent for Global Regulation
Beginning December 11, the eSafety Commissioner will issue notices requiring platforms to submit monthly reports on account removals for six months. Regulators describe the ban as “the first domino” in a broader global effort to regulate minors’ access to social media.
The law faces its first constitutional challenge from two 15-year-old students, Noah Jones and Macy Neyland, who argue it violates their implied right to political communication. Their case is backed by the Digital Freedom Project, led by NSW MP and Libertarian Party member John Ruddick.
Neyland said, “Young people like me are the voters of tomorrow… silencing us feels like something straight out of Orwell’s 1984 — and that’s terrifying.”
International Reactions
Other countries are closely monitoring Australia’s rollout. Malaysia plans to introduce a similar under-16 ban in 2026, while New Zealand, Ireland, and several European nations are examining comparable restrictions.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese defended the law, saying it reassures parents: “We’ve got your back.”
