Australia's under 16 social media ban under microscope at home and abroad

December 15, 2025

Australia has implemented a world-first social media ban that prohibits anyone under 16 years old from accessing major platforms including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and seven others, which took effect on December 10, 2025. The legislation requires tech companies to take reasonable steps to prevent minors from having accounts or face penalties up to $50 million, though platforms like WhatsApp and Roblox remain exempt. The ban has sparked significant controversy both domestically and internationally, with teenagers, experts, and advocacy groups expressing concerns about unintended consequences, enforcement challenges, and potential harm to vulnerable youth who rely on social media for community connection.

Who is affected

All Australian children and teenagers under 16 years old (both existing and new account holders)
Social media platforms: Facebook, Instagram, Kick, Reddit, Snapchat, Threads, TikTok, Twitch, X, and YouTube
Tech companies facing compliance requirements and potential $50 million penalties
Parents managing their children's online access
Vulnerable youth groups including LGBTQ+ teens (specifically mentioned: trans reporter Maggie Perry) and isolated young people who rely on social media for community
eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant
Teen content creators whose accounts are being removed (e.g., 14-year-old Zoey, Leo Puglisi of 6 News)
Alternative platforms gaining users (Yope, Lemon8, Coverstar)
U.S. Congress Committee on the Judiciary

What action is being taken

Ten platforms are being required to prevent Australians under 16 from having accounts as of December 10, 2025
Tech platforms are implementing age verification methods including facial scanning, ID checks, and bank card verification
Social media companies are removing accounts belonging to minors who have been posting about the ban
Teenagers are using VPNs to circumvent the restrictions
The government is instructing tech companies to thwart VPN workaround efforts
eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant is "playing the long game" on compliance enforcement
Lesser-known platforms Yope and Lemon8 are being asked to self-assess for potential inclusion
Legal challenges are being filed: Reddit is suing the government, and two teens are taking their challenge to the High Court
U.S. Congress is requesting eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant to testify before the Committee on the Judiciary

Why it matters

This represents the world's first comprehensive ban on teen social media access, establishing Australia as a test case that could influence global policy on youth internet safety. The significance extends beyond border control of platform access—it raises fundamental questions about balancing child protection with freedom of expression and human rights, particularly for vulnerable young people who depend on online communities for support and connection. The ban's effectiveness is already being questioned as teenagers find workarounds, suggesting enforcement challenges that could undermine the policy's intent. Additionally, the approach addresses symptoms rather than root causes, as harmful content remains accessible without accounts and platforms aren't required to fundamentally redesign their safety architecture. The international attention, including from U.S. Congress and potential retaliation from the Trump administration, indicates this policy could have diplomatic and economic ramifications beyond child safety considerations.

What's next

All eyes are on Australia to observe how the ban plays out in coming days
U.S. Congress Committee on the Judiciary has requested eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant to testify (though it's unknown if she will appear)
Legal challenges from Reddit and two teens will proceed through the High Court
There are suggestions that Donald Trump may retaliate over the social media bans and other digital economy regulations
The government has indicated continued monitoring and enforcement of VPN workaround attempts

Read full article from source: Global Voices