SYDNEY, Dec 10: Australia on Wednesday became the world’s first country to enforce a nationwide ban on social media use for children under 16, blocking access to major platforms including TikTok, YouTube, Instagram and Facebook.
Ten major platforms were ordered to restrict underage access from midnight (1300 GMT Tuesday) or face penalties of up to A$49.5 million ($33 million). The law, welcomed by parents and child-safety advocates, faced criticism from tech companies and free speech groups.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called it “a proud day” for families, saying the law signals that policymakers can restrain online harms that have outpaced traditional regulation. “This is the day when Australian families are taking back power from these big tech companies,” he told ABC News.
In a video message slated to be played in schools, Mr. Albanese urged students to explore new hobbies such as sports, music or reading ahead of the summer break.
The move follows months of debate on whether any nation could meaningfully prevent children from accessing deeply embedded digital platforms. Several countries, including Denmark, New Zealand and Malaysia, have indicated they may study or adopt similar measures, making Australia a global test case.
X Complies After Resistance
Elon Musk’s platform X was the last of the 10 platforms to implement age restrictions, saying, “It’s not our choice – it’s what the Australian law requires.” The company said it will automatically offboard users who do not meet age criteria.
Authorities say the list of covered platforms will evolve as new services emerge. Companies will rely on age inference tools, selfie-based age estimation, and identity or bank-linked verification to enforce the ban.
The shift comes as user growth stagnates across social media, with studies showing reduced engagement. While platforms earn little from under-16 advertising, they warn the ban disrupts long-term user pipelines. The government noted that 86% of Australians aged 8 to 15 used social media prior to the ban.
Some teenagers expressed concern that the ban may isolate vulnerable groups. “It’s going to be worse for queer people and people with niche interests … because that’s the only way they can find their community,” said 14-year-old Annie Wang. She added that many young people rely on social media for emotional support.
Further adjustments to implementation are expected as the policy evolves. (Agencies)
