Australia will enforce a nationwide ban on children under 16 using major social media platforms starting December 10. The government added Reddit and livestreaming site Kick to the growing list of restricted platforms. The rule already covers Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Threads, TikTok, X, and YouTube.
Communications Minister Anika Wells said the new law creates a world-first requirement for platforms to close accounts belonging to users under 16. Companies that fail to take “reasonable steps” to block or remove underage users could face fines up to 50 million Australian dollars (€28.3 million).
“We’ve met with several platforms in the past month,” Wells said. “There’s no excuse for ignoring this law. Social media uses powerful technology to target children; we are simply asking them to use that same technology to protect them.”
Enforcement and Research on the Impact
Australia’s eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant will oversee enforcement of the new rules. She said the list of restricted platforms will expand as new technologies emerge. Government officials determined that each restricted service has “a sole or significant purpose of enabling online social interaction.”
Inman Grant said her office will partner with researchers to measure the ban’s effects. “We’ll study whether children sleep more, spend more time outdoors, or interact differently,” she explained. “We’ll also examine unintended consequences and share what we learn so others can build on Australia’s progress.”
The move has drawn attention from international policymakers. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen praised the law as “a common-sense approach” during a United Nations forum in New York. Denmark’s ambassador to Australia, Ingrid Dahl-Madsen, said her country will “watch Australia’s example” as it considers similar protections.
Critics Raise Privacy and Practical Concerns
Opponents argue the law could compromise privacy by forcing all users to verify their ages. More than 140 academics from Australia and abroad signed an open letter to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, calling the measure “too blunt an instrument” to address online risks effectively.
Minister Wells defended the legislation, saying the government aims to balance child safety with privacy protection. “We will ensure users’ personal data remains as private as possible,” she said.
Despite criticism, Australia’s government insists the ban marks a crucial step toward protecting young people from the growing influence and risks of social media. Other nations are now watching closely as Australia becomes the first country to legally restrict children’s access across multiple major platforms.
