Australia makes history with the implementation of a social media ban for minors under 16 years old. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the new legislation as a “proud moment” that will mark a new era in protecting children online.
Read: Australia: End of social media for under-16s, but… how? – All options that reduce violations
What Australia’s new legislation provides
The revolutionary legislation that came into effect from midnight Tuesday imposes strict restrictions on social media companies. Platforms are required to take adequate measures to prevent account creation by individuals under 16 years old, otherwise they face significant financial penalties.
The main platforms affected include:
- Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Threads
- TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, Reddit
- Streaming platforms like Kick and Twitch
Despite strict enforcement, Australia’s legislation provides specific exceptions. YouTube Kids, Google Classroom, and communication apps like WhatsApp remain accessible to young users. This distinction demonstrates the careful approach of Australian authorities in regulating social media.
Initial reactions and implementation challenges
The reality of implementation already reveals initial challenges. 15-year-old Lulu managed to bypass the ban by creating a new account, while her old accounts with her real age were blocked from social media platforms. Australia’s eSafety Commissioner, Julie Inman Grant, warned of potential initial implementation problems. “I don’t expect the magical disappearance of all minor accounts,” she stated, acknowledging the possibility of blatant non-compliance from technology companies.
The future of social media regulation
Australian authorities expect to have a clearer picture of the measures’ effectiveness by Christmas. Grant emphasized that technology companies, accustomed to moving quickly, can equally quickly improve the situation by deactivating minor accounts.
