Archive · 12 Nov 2025
Australia to Ban Social Media for Under-16s from December 10
Australia is making a new rule for kids under 16.
Starting December 10, 2025, they won't be able to use most social media apps like TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook.
The government is doing this to help keep young people safe online and to protect their feelings.
If the app companies don't follow this rule, they could have to pay a lot of money.
The apps will tell the teenagers that their accounts will be deactivated.
Kids can choose to freeze their accounts, save their information, or lose their accounts completely.
The app companies might use special software to guess how old someone is based on how they use the app.
Sometimes, this software makes mistakes, like thinking a 15-year-old is too old or a 17-year-old is too young.
There are also apps where kids can use their selfie to prove their age if they think they were blocked by mistake.
It's still a bit new and we'll see how well it works.
Australia will ban social media access for individuals under 16 starting December 10, 2025.
Affected platforms, including TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook, will notify underage users about account deactivation.
Non-compliant platforms face fines of up to AUD $49.5 million.
Age verification will rely on platform software estimating age through user activity and potentially selfie-based age assurance apps, despite known inaccuracies.
The government aims to protect teenagers' safety and mental health online.
- Who
- Australian Government and social media platforms
- What
- Implementation of a ban on social media for individuals under 16, with platforms notifying affected users and facing significant fines for non-compliance.
- When
- Starting December 10, 2025
- Where
- Australia
- Why
- To ensure the safety of teenagers online and protect their mental health and development.
Government Stance
Platform and Youth Advocate Concerns
Rationale for Ban
Government Stance
The ban is essential to protect children's safety and mental health from the risks of the online world, positioning Australia as a global leader in online safety for teenagers.
Platform and Youth Advocate Concerns
Platforms suggest mandatory age checks could be invasive and rely on existing software that estimates age based on user activity, which has shown minor errors in testing.
Age Verification Methods
Government Stance
The government is implementing measures to ensure compliance with the social media ban for minors.
Platform and Youth Advocate Concerns
Social media platforms will use existing software for age estimation and are developing features to report suspected underage users. Age assurance apps using selfies will also be available for appeals, though these tools have shown errors in trials.
- Effective Date
- December 10, 2025
- Minimum Age
- 16 years old
- Maximum Fine for Non-Compliance
- AUD $49.5 million (approximately USD $30 million)
- Affected Platforms (examples)
- TikTok, Instagram, Facebook
- Age Verification Methods
- Platform-based age estimation software, age assurance apps using selfies
