Ban Takes Effect Across Ten Major Platforms on December 10, 2025 The federal Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Bill 2024 went into force on December 10, 2025, prohibiting users under 16 from accessing Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Snapchat, YouTube, TikTok, Kick, Reddit, Twitch and X [1][2][3]. Platforms must block new under‑age sign‑ups and suspend existing accounts belonging to minors. The rollout follows a year‑long policy debate and state‑level pilots that expanded into a nationwide mandate [2].

Age‑Verification Systems and Heavy Penalties Drive Compliance Most companies have adopted age‑estimation or verification tools, though The Hindu notes facial‑recognition checks misidentify 8.5 % of 16‑year‑olds and 2.6 % of 17‑year‑olds [1]. Non‑compliant platforms face fines up to A$49.5 million (≈ $33 million USD) [1][2]. Meta warned thousands of 13‑ to 15‑year‑olds to download their data and delete accounts, highlighting the multi‑step verification process [1].

Government Frames Ban as Global Leadership on Youth Safety Prime Minister Anthony Albanese presented the law as a world‑first response to parental concerns and mental‑health risks, citing Jonathan Haidt’s The Anxious Generation as an intellectual catalyst [2]. The administration argues the measure will curb online harms and set an international precedent [2][3]. South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas and Haidt are slated for a CNN interview to discuss the policy’s impact [3].

Critics Question Effectiveness and Privacy Implications Experts warn the ban may not reduce cyberbullying or protect privacy, noting that some under‑16 users remain online through workarounds [2]. The Hindu highlights concerns about the accuracy of age‑verification technology and potential false‑rejection of legitimate users [1]. Observers worldwide are monitoring Australia’s experiment to gauge its influence on future digital‑age regulations [3].