Australia is set to implement a policy requiring social media companies to prevent individuals under the age of 16 from accessing their platforms. This measure, scheduled to commence on December 10, mandates that companies take "reasonable steps" to ensure new accounts are not created by underage users and that existing accounts belonging to under-16s are deactivated or removed.
Policy Details
The government states the initiative aims to reduce "pressures and risks" children encounter on social media, specifically citing platform design features that encourage extended screen time and content that may adversely affect health and wellbeing. A government-commissioned study conducted earlier this year reported that 96% of Australian children aged 10-15 used social media. Of these, 70% had reportedly been exposed to harmful content or behavior, including misogynistic material, fight videos, and content promoting eating disorders or suicide. The study also indicated that 14% experienced grooming-type behavior from adults or older children, and over 50% reported being subjected to cyberbullying.
Affected and Excluded Platforms
Ten platforms have been identified for inclusion in the ban: Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Threads, TikTok, X, YouTube, Reddit, Kick, and Twitch. The government is also considering expanding the ban to include online gaming platforms. Roblox and Discord have reportedly introduced age verification features on some functions, potentially in response to these considerations. The government will review additional platforms based on three criteria: whether a platform's primary or "significant purpose" is to facilitate online social interaction between two or more users; whether it allows users to interact with some or all other users; and whether it permits users to post material. YouTube Kids, Google Classroom, and WhatsApp are not included, as they were determined not to meet these criteria. Children will still be able to view most content on platforms like YouTube that do not require an account for viewing.
Enforcement Mechanisms
Enforcement of the ban will target social media companies, not individual children or parents. Companies found in serious or repeated breach of the regulations face fines of up to A$49.5 million (approximately US$32 million or £25 million). Companies are required to employ "reasonable steps" and utilize age assurance technologies, though specific technologies have not been mandated. Potential methods discussed include government IDs, facial or voice recognition, and age inference (estimating age based on online behavior). The government encourages the use of multiple verification methods and has specified that platforms cannot rely solely on users self-declaring their age or on parental affirmation. Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and Threads, announced it would begin closing teen accounts from December 4. It stated that users mistakenly removed could verify their age using a government ID or a video selfie. Other affected platforms have not yet detailed their compliance strategies.
Industry and Expert Reactions
Social media companies expressed concerns following the announcement, citing difficulties in implementation, potential for circumvention, inconvenience for users, and privacy risks associated with large-scale data collection. Some companies, including Snap and YouTube, disputed their classification as social media platforms. Google, YouTube's parent company, is reportedly evaluating a legal challenge. While expressing opposition, TikTok and Snap indicated they would comply. Kick, an Australian-based company, stated it would introduce "a range of measures" and maintain constructive engagement with authorities. Meta, despite implementing the ban early, noted it could lead to "inconsistent protections" across various applications used by teenagers.
Critics have raised questions regarding the efficacy of age assurance technologies, citing potential for inaccuracies and wrongful blocking or failure to identify underage users, particularly given that facial assessment technology may be less reliable for the target demographic. Concerns have also been voiced regarding the adequacy of the proposed fines, with one former executive noting Meta's high revenue generation rate. Arguments against the ban include that it may not address all online harms, as dating websites, gaming platforms, and AI chatbots are not currently included. Additionally, some critics suggest that the policy could isolate teenagers who rely on social media for community and that educating children on digital literacy might be a more effective approach. Communications Minister Annika Wells acknowledged that the implementation process might be "untidy."
Data Protection Measures
Concerns have been raised by critics regarding the extensive collection and storage of personal data required for age verification and the potential for mishandling, referencing previous high-profile data breaches in Australia. The government has stated that the legislation incorporates "strong protections" for personal information. These protections stipulate that collected data must only be used for age verification purposes and must be destroyed subsequent to verification, with "serious penalties" for breaches. Platforms are also required to offer verification alternatives to the use of government IDs.
International Context
Australia's ban on social media access for individuals under 16 is a novel policy globally, drawing international observation. Other countries have implemented varying approaches to regulate children's online exposure. The United Kingdom introduced safety rules in July, allowing for significant fines or executive imprisonment for companies failing to protect young people from illegal and harmful content. Several European nations permit social media use by minors only with parental consent. France's parliament recommended banning under-15s from social media and imposing a curfew for 15- to 18-year-olds. Denmark plans to ban social media for under-15s, and Norway is considering a similar proposal. Spain's government has submitted a draft law requiring legal guardian authorization for under-16s to access social media. In the United States, an attempt in Utah to ban social media for under-18s without parental consent was blocked by a federal judge.