Australia Enforces Social Media Ban for Under-16s Next Week

Australia will begin enforcing a nationwide ban on social media accounts for children under 16 next week, requiring major platforms to remove underage users and report their compliance efforts under threat of hefty fines.

The law takes effect on December 10, targeting 10 platforms: Facebook, Instagram, Threads, TikTok, Snapchat, X, YouTube, Reddit, Twitch and Kick. Companies must take reasonable steps to block access for Australian users younger than 16, with the Australian eSafety Commissioner issuing notices starting December 11 to demand details on removed accounts. Platforms will face monthly reporting requirements for the following six months. Failure to comply could result in fines of up to 50 million Australian dollars (about 33 million U.S. dollars), escalating for repeated or systemic violations, according to eSafety officials.

Communications Minister Michelle Rowland acknowledged that verifying ages accurately may take days or weeks, but emphasized the government's commitment to enforcement. "The government recognizes that age assurance may require several days or weeks to complete fairly and accurately," she told the National Press Club in Canberra on Wednesday....