Australia has entered a historic digital era as its world-first ban on social media access for children under 16 officially began. Major technology platforms have been required to deactivate accounts belonging to millions of young Australians, marking one of the most significant regulatory interventions in global tech history.
This sweeping age-based restriction is designed to protect children from online risks; however, the rollout has created widespread confusion, strong public debate, and significant concern among families. The government has placed strict responsibilities on platforms, insisting on accurate age verification and compliance with “reasonable steps” to prevent under-16 access or face fines of up to $49.5 million.
What the Social Media Ban Means for Under-16 Users
The new law has mandated that participating social media platforms deactivate all user accounts belonging to individuals under 16. Furthermore, they must block any attempts from young users to sign up until their 16th birthday. The requirement took effect on 10 December, marking the official starting point of Australia’s new online safety framework.
The enforcement remains under the authority of the eSafety Commissioner, who will assess whether each platform has used reliable systems to identify underage accounts. Platforms failing to meet these standards may face severe financial penalties.
Platforms Included in Australia’s Under-16 Ban
A list of major social platforms has been designated for immediate compliance. These are the apps that must remove or deactivate underage users:
- TikTok
- Snapchat
- X (Twitter)
- YouTube
- Twitch
- Kick
- Threads
Threads became automatically included due to its dependence on Instagram accounts.
The government also emphasized that this list is dynamic. Platforms will be added if large numbers of children migrate to them or if similar risks emerge. For instance, alternative spaces like Lemon8 may face regulation if under-16 users attempt to shift there after the ban.
Which Apps Are Not Included in the Ban?
Several online services remain exempt because they serve educational, professional, or low-risk purposes. These include:
- Roblox
- YouTube Kids
- Discord
- Lemon8
- GitHub
- LEGO Play
- Steam and Steam Chat
- Google Classroom
- Messenger
The government has allowed flexibility to determine whether additional platforms must comply. Some services, such as Bluesky, have been classified as very low risk due to minimal Australian youth usage.
How Age Verification Will Work Across Platforms
One of the most complex components of the ban is age verification. The government has insisted that platforms cannot rely solely on checking government-issued ID. Instead, they must use a multi-layered approach combining technology, behavioral patterns, and, where necessary, manual review.
Here is how major platforms plan to handle age checks:
- Meta (Facebook & Instagram):
Meta has refused to disclose specific verification tactics to avoid alerting users attempting to evade the system. Yet, a mix of account data and behavioral indicators is expected. - Snapchat:
Age will be estimated through behavior patterns and the listed birth date. Accounts believed to belong to under-16 users will be disabled. - TikTok:
TikTok will use a layered system involving human review and automated analysis to detect misleading birth dates. - Kick:
Kick will use the same K-ID age assurance technology as Snapchat, applying a combined technical approach. - YouTube:
YouTube will determine age based on Google account information and other internal signals.
Many other platforms have not yet explained their full verification plans.
What Happens to Under-16 Accounts After Deactivation?
Affected young users will see significant changes, but not all accounts will be permanently deleted. Major platforms have introduced systems for future restoration:
- Facebook & Instagram:
Teens may download all photos, messages, and videos. Their accounts can be placed on hold until they turn 16, or they may choose full deletion. - TikTok:
TikTok will allow deactivation or deletion. Content can be archived, and users may provide their email to receive a reminder on their 16th birthday. - Snapchat:
Snapchat will freeze accounts belonging to users aged 13 to 15. Photos and communications can be downloaded. Accounts will remain locked until proof of age is provided. - YouTube:
Teens can recover their channels at age 16. Content will remain preserved unless voluntarily deleted.
Remaining platforms have not yet revealed specific processes.
Appeals for Users Incorrectly Marked as Under-16
People over 16 may face accidental removal due to inaccurate age detection. In such cases, an appeals process has been established:
- Meta:
Uses Yoti facial age assurance (via video selfie) or government ID. - Snapchat:
Accepts bank card checks, government ID, or a selfie for K-ID facial age estimation. - TikTok:
Offers facial age checks through Yoti, credit-card authorization, or government-issued ID. - YouTube and Kick:
Appeals procedures have not yet been clarified.
Other platforms will announce their appeal methods soon.
Has the Ban Been Delayed or Challenged Legally?
Although the policy is active, it is not without legal scrutiny. A high court challenge led by NSW Libertarian MP John Ruddick argues that the ban may restrict political communication and may therefore violate constitutional protections. The case remains pending.
A parliamentary committee recommended delaying the rollout by six months, suggesting improvements were needed in the age assurance framework. However, government officials rejected the recommendation and remained committed to the launch date.
Will the Ban Be Fully Functional on Day One?
Government officials have stressed that immediate full compliance is unlikely. Under-16 accounts will not vanish instantly due to complex technical systems. The eSafety Commissioner plans to use a gradual, risk-based approach for enforcement, focusing on platforms with large volumes of young users.
Some platforms may achieve rapid compliance, while others may require more time to adjust their systems. Continuous monitoring will guide future enforcement actions.
Conclusion: A Landmark Digital Shift for Australian Families
Australia has taken an unprecedented step by enforcing the world’s first nationwide social media ban for children under 16. The policy signals a major shift in how online safety is governed. Although the ban aims to protect young users, significant challenges remain in terms of verification accuracy, appeals, and long-term compliance.
Families and tech companies are now navigating a new digital landscape where childhood access to social platforms is being reshaped by legislation, technology, and public concern. The true impact of this ban will become clearer in the coming months, as platforms refine their systems and the government evaluates the effectiveness of this historic move.
