Australia to Enforce Social Media Age Limit for Under-16s

Beginning December 10, 2025, Australia will enforce a law requiring social media platforms to prevent users under 16 from maintaining accounts. Platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, X, YouTube, Reddit, Threads, Kick, and Twitch are affected by this regulation. Non-compliance could result in fines up to 50 million Australian dollars (approximately $33 million).

The eSafety Commissioner will issue notices to these platforms on December 11, demanding information about the number of underage accounts removed. This reporting will continue monthly for six months. Communications Minister Anika Wells acknowledged that age verification processes may take time to implement fairly and accurately.

In response, Google announced that users under 16 in Australia will be signed out of YouTube accounts starting December 10, losing access to features like playlists. Google will determine users' ages based on personal data and other signals. Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and Threads, stated that suspected underage accounts will be removed, with affected users able to verify their age through Yoti Age Verification by providing government-issued IDs or a video selfie.

The Digital Freedom Project, a Sydney-based rights group, plans to challenge the law in the High Court, arguing it violates constitutional rights. A court hearing date has not been set. Minister Wells emphasized the government's commitment to defending the law, citing parental support across Australia.

Internationally, countries such as Malaysia have announced similar measures, with plans to ban social media accounts for children under 16 starting in 2026. The European Commission, along with nations like France, Denmark, Greece, Romania, and New Zealand, are also considering setting minimum age requirements for social media usage.