Ban Expands
A pending youth social media ban in Australia will prevent kids from accessing sites like YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, and Kik.
Context
Australia passed legislation in 2024 that will prohibit children under 16 from holding accounts on major social media platforms. The law, set to take effect on December 10, 2025, requires tech companies to take "reasonable steps" to prevent minors from accessing their services. Companies that fail to comply face fines of up to 50M Australian dollars ($33M). The country's government has argued that social media platforms use sophisticated technology to target children, and it expects these same companies to use that technology to keep young users off their platforms.
Platforms Targeted
Australia’s communications minister announced on Wednesday that Reddit and Kik now join Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Threads, TikTok, X, and YouTube as banned in the country for kids under 16.
The government chose these nine platforms because their main function is to connect users with each other for online-centered social interaction, which officials believe poses particular risks to young people. Messaging services like WhatsApp and Discord, as well as gaming platforms like Roblox, are not included in the ban. YouTube Kids and Google Classroom are also exempt.
Implementations
Australia's eSafety commissioner said the list of restricted platforms will evolve as technology changes and new services emerge. The government emphasized that it is not seeking perfection with the ban but rather a meaningful difference in protecting children online.
Critics have raised concerns about user privacy, warning that age verification requirements could affect all users who must prove they are over 16. Some critics also worry the ban could push young people to less-regulated parts of the internet or cut them off from positive online connections.
Global Attention
Other countries are closely watching Australia's approach to limiting youth social media access. The European Commission’s President told a United Nations forum in September that she was inspired by Australia's move to legislate the age restriction.
However, more than 140 academics signed an open letter opposing the ban, calling it "too blunt an instrument to address risks effectively." One Australian influencer family with millions of YouTube followers recently announced they would move to the UK so their 14-year-old daughter could continue creating online content.
