Archive · 15 Nov 2025
Australia to Deactivate Under-16 Accounts on Social Media Without Parental Consent
Imagine your favorite social media apps like Instagram or TikTok.
In Australia, starting December 10, if you are under 16, your account might be turned off unless your parents say it's okay.
This is because grown-ups are worried about how social media can affect young people's feelings and make them feel pressured.
The apps will use smart computer programs that guess your age by how you use the app.
If they guess you're too young and you don't get your parents' help, your account will be deactivated.
But don't worry, you can download your pictures and videos first.
Australia is doing this to help keep kids safer online, and other countries might do it too.
Australia will deactivate social media accounts of users under 16 starting December 10, unless parental consent is given.
The new rule is part of Australia's updated online safety framework to protect young users from social media risks.
Social media platforms will use AI-based age-estimation tools to verify user ages.
Accounts flagged as under 16 can be deactivated if age is not verified or parental consent is not provided.
Companies failing to enforce the age requirement face significant financial penalties.
- Who
- Australian Government, social media platforms (Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Snapchat), users under 16, parents/guardians
- What
- Mandatory deactivation of social media accounts for users under 16 unless parental consent is provided; implementation of AI-based age-estimation tools by platforms.
- When
- Starting December 10
- Where
- Australia
- Why
- To protect younger teenagers from the risks of social media, including mental health impacts, endless scrolling, personalized recommendations, and online peer pressure, while giving parents more control.
- Effective Date
- December 10
- Age Limit
- 16
- Platforms Affected
- Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Snapchat
- Verification Method
- AI-based age-estimation tools, optional age-verification apps
- Penalties for Non-compliance
- Multimillion-dollar fines for social media companies