Australia becomes first in world to ban social media for kids

In a global first, Australia’s ban on social media for children under 16 has taken effect, requiring Facebook, Instagram, Threads, X, YouTube, Snapchat, Reddit, Kick, Twitch, TikTok, and more to enforce it or face hefty fines.

The platforms are required to implement age verification processes and remove accounts held by millions of children under the specified age. Failing to comply will incur penalties of up to $49.5 million.

The country’s eSafety commissioner said all social media firms except X have agreed to comply with the ban.

Mixed reactions
A 2024 poll indicated 77% of Australians support the ban and see it as a way to ensure child safety online from bullying and harassment.

Some parents, including those with disabled or special needs children, worry that it would socially exclude their child. Others have expressed concern that kids may face peer pressure to bypass the age verification measures using VPNs and other methods.

Early implementation of age verification encountered technical issues, with several under-16s reportedly passing the mandatory facial age-assurance checks. The ban is also facing a legal challenge from two 15-year-olds.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese acknowledged that the “process won’t be 100% perfect,” and defended the legislation, comparing it to setting the legal drinking age.

The ban has drawn global attention, with countries including Malaysia, Denmark, and Norway, as well as the European Union, indicating plans to adopt similar age restrictions.