Australia will enforce a nationwide social media ban for children under 16 starting December 10. The government added Reddit and livestreaming service Kick to its list of restricted platforms, joining Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X, YouTube, Snapchat, and Threads.
Communications Minister Anika Wells announced that all nine platforms must block or close accounts belonging to children under 16. Companies that fail to take “reasonable steps” could face fines of up to 50 million Australian dollars (€28.3 million).
“We have met with multiple social media companies this month,” Wells said in Canberra. “They now have no excuse for ignoring the law. These platforms use technology to track and influence children—we’re simply demanding they use it to protect them.”
Officials Prepare to Enforce and Evaluate the Law
Australia’s eSafety Commissioner, Julie Inman Grant, will oversee enforcement of the age restriction. She said the list of restricted platforms would expand as new technologies emerge. The government defined eligible platforms as those whose “main or significant purpose is enabling online social interaction.”
Inman Grant plans to study the law’s long-term effects with help from academic researchers. “We will measure whether children sleep better, socialize more, or become more physically active,” she said. “We’ll also examine unintended consequences and gather evidence to help other nations learn from our progress.”
The ban marks a global first and could influence how other countries regulate social media access for minors.
Global Reactions and Ongoing Debate
International leaders have praised Australia’s initiative. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said at a United Nations forum that she felt “inspired” by the move. Denmark’s Ambassador to Australia, Ingrid Dahl-Madsen, said her government would monitor the policy as it explores ways to protect children online.
However, critics warn that the law may undermine privacy for all users, as platforms will need to verify age through identity checks. Wells responded that the government aims to preserve user privacy while maintaining child safety.
More than 140 academics from Australia and abroad opposed the age restriction in an open letter to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, calling it “too blunt an instrument to manage risk effectively.” Despite the criticism, the government remains firm that the law will take effect on December 10 and reshape the country’s approach to digital safety for children.
