Ban Begins

Australia became the first country to ban social media for children under 16.

Context

A study commissioned by the Australian government showed nearly all children between 10 and 15 years old in the country accessed social media platforms. The research found that most of these young users encountered harmful material, ranging from violent images to content encouraging self-harm. The study also revealed that a significant portion experienced predatory contact from older individuals, while cyberbullying affected roughly half of the respondents. These findings led the government to implement an unprecedented nationwide age restriction.

Ban Details

The restrictions began on Wednesday, requiring 10 major platforms to prevent minors from accessing their services or face penalties reaching $33M. The affected platforms include Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X, YouTube, Snapchat, Threads, Reddit, Kick, and Twitch.

Minors are barred from opening new accounts, while companies must shut down profiles belonging to existing underage users. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated the ban would limit young people's exposure to harmful content on social platforms.

How it Works

Social media companies are responsible for enforcing the restrictions through age verification technologies. The platforms can use government IDs, facial or voice recognition, or analyze online behavior to estimate users' ages.

Meta began closing teen accounts last week, while Snapchat said users can verify their age through bank accounts, photo IDs, or selfies. YouTube Kids, Google Classroom, and WhatsApp are exempt because they are not considered social media platforms under the government's criteria. Neither children nor parents face penalties for violating the ban.

Implications and Reactions

Other countries are considering social media bans, with Denmark revealing intentions to prohibit social media for those under 15, while Norway, France, and Spain explore similar options.

Technology companies condemned the legislation, warning it could push young users toward more dangerous, unmoderated online spaces. Two teenagers launched a legal challenge arguing the law infringes on their constitutional rights, while several adolescents indicated they would attempt to evade the ban using false accounts or virtual private networks.