Australia has enacted a world-first law banning children under the age of 16 from holding social media accounts, with major platforms like Meta, TikTok, and YouTube now required to take “reasonable steps” to enforce the restriction. The policy, which does not allow exemptions even with parental consent, is the strictest of its kind globally and took effect this week, leaving many teenagers locked out of their accounts. While some have reportedly found ways to bypass the barriers, the government has framed the ban as a necessary measure to shield young people from harmful content and manipulative algorithms.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese hailed the reform as a landmark achievement, stating it reflects Australia’s leadership in digital safety. Flanked by advocates and parents, he expressed confidence that the policy could set a global precedent. "This is Australia showing enough is enough," Albanese said, comparing the move to other pioneering social reforms led by the nation. The ban has drawn international attention, with several countries—including Denmark, Greece, and Brazil—monitoring Australia as a test case for similar regulations.
The law targets ten major social media platforms initially, with the government warning others to prepare for inclusion. Online Safety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant announced that compliance checks will begin immediately, focusing on whether companies are effectively implementing age verification systems. Fines for serious breaches can reach up to A$49.5 million, targeting platforms rather than parents or children.
Critics argue that a blanket ban is neither practical nor the most effective way to protect minors, emphasizing digital literacy and parental guidance as alternatives. However, Australian authorities are pushing forward, pledging to publicly report on the ban’s enforcement by Christmas. As the digital landscape adjusts, the world watches to see whether this aggressive approach will reshape how nations regulate youth access to social media.
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