Australia will enforce a ban preventing children under 16 from using major social media platforms starting December 10. Communications Minister Anika Wells announced that Reddit and Kick have joined the list alongside Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X, YouTube, Snapchat, and Threads.
Under the new rules, platforms must close accounts held by users under 16 or face penalties of up to 50 million Australian dollars (€28.3 million). “We’ve met with several companies over the past month,” Wells said. “They have no excuse for ignoring this law.”
She added, “These platforms use technology to target children. We expect them to use the same tools to keep kids safe.”
Regulators Aim to Protect Young Users
Australia’s eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant will enforce the new regulation and oversee its rollout. She said the list of restricted platforms will evolve as new technologies emerge. The nine current platforms meet the government’s definition of services primarily designed for online social interaction.
Inman Grant confirmed plans to study the ban’s broader effects. “We’ll measure whether children sleep better, interact more, or become more physically active,” she said. “We’ll also watch for unintended outcomes and collect evidence to guide global policy.”
Government officials said they hope this law sets a model for other countries confronting the dangers of social media use among young children.
Global Interest and Debate Over Privacy
World leaders have praised Australia’s bold stance. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said at a United Nations forum that Australia’s move “inspired” her as a “common-sense approach” to online safety. Denmark’s ambassador to Australia, Ingrid Dahl-Madsen, also confirmed her government would “closely observe” the policy’s results.
However, critics argue the ban could harm privacy by forcing all users to verify their age. More than 140 academics wrote to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese last year, warning that age restrictions are “too blunt an instrument” to manage online risks effectively.
Wells reassured the public that protecting user data remains a government priority. “We will ensure people’s privacy is safeguarded while we keep children safe,” she said.
The government continues preparing for the December rollout, marking a world-first step in holding social media companies accountable for the safety of young users.
