Meta and TikTok to Adhere to Australia’s Ban on Under-16s from Social Media Platforms

Australia Moves to Ban Social Media for Under-16s, Tech Giants Comply

Canberra, australia – In a landmark decision with global implications, Australia’s Parliament has passed a law prohibiting individuals under the age of 16 from accessing social media platforms. The legislation, approved at the close of 2024, is scheduled to take effect on December 10th, and already, major tech companies are signaling their adherence to the new regulations.

Implementing a Strict New Standard

The new law designates australia as a frontrunner in regulating internet access for minors. While the legislation has been met with some skepticism regarding its practical implementation, Meta – the parent company of facebook and Instagram – and TikTok have both announced their commitment to compliance. Ella Woods-Joyce, Head of Internal Policy at TikTok, affirmed the company’s intention to adhere to the legislative requirements during a recent Australian Senate hearing.

Mia Garlick, a Meta director, acknowledged the “many challenges” in enacting the law but stated that the company anticipates deleting hundreds of thousands of accounts belonging to users under 16 by the deadline. The law carries meaningful penalties for non-compliance, with potential fines reaching as high as $32 million (approximately 27.5 million euros).

Concerns and Criticisms from the Tech Sector

Despite the stringent measures, Canberra will not mandate that social networks verify the age of all users. This has sparked criticism from the technology industry, with companies describing the law as “vague,” “problematic,” and “rushed.” Concerns have been raised that the ban could inadvertently drive younger users toward less regulated and possibly more harmful corners of the internet.

tiktok’s Ella Woods-Joyce cautioned that the ban could have the effect of pushing younger people “into darker corners of the internet,where protections don’t exist.” YouTube, a leading video-sharing platform, also expressed reservations, suggesting that while the intent behind the legislation is laudable, the execution needs refinement. Rachel Lord,a YouTube spokesperson,stated that the law is “going to be extremely difficult to enforce” and may not achieve its goal of enhanced online safety.

Wider Implications and Regulatory scrutiny

In late September, the national regulator extended its inquiry to 16 additional online platforms, including Twitch, WhatsApp, Steam, and Roblox, requesting their perspectives on the proposed regulations. This indicates a broad effort to address online safety concerns across a range of digital spaces.

Platform	Compliance Status	Estimated Impact
TikTok	Complying	Will delete user accounts under 16
Meta (Facebook/Instagram)	Complying	Will delete hundreds of thousands of accounts
YouTube	Concerned	Questions enforceability and effectiveness

Did You Know? A 2023 report by the Pew Research Center found that 95% of teens in the United States have access to a smartphone, highlighting the prevalence of social media in young people’s lives.

Pro Tip: Parents can utilize parental control features offered by many social media platforms and device operating systems to monitor and limit their children’s online activity, even before regulations are fully implemented.

What impact do you think this legislation will have on online safety? How can regulators balance protecting children with respecting digital freedoms?

The Growing Global Conversation on Youth Online Safety

australia’s move reflects a broader international trend towards increased regulation of social media platforms, particularly concerning their impact on young people. Several countries are exploring similar measures as concerns about cyberbullying, mental health, and exposure to harmful content continue to rise. The European union’s digital services Act (DSA), for example, imposes significant obligations on platforms to protect users, including minors.The UK is also considering stricter online safety laws. This is a rapidly evolving area of law and policy, and Australia’s approach will be closely watched by regulators and tech companies worldwide.

Frequently Asked Questions About Australia’s Social Media Ban

• What is the main goal of the new Australian law? The law aims to protect children under the age of 16 from potential harms associated with social media use.
• Will social media platforms be required to verify users’ ages? No, the current legislation does not mandate age verification.
• What are the penalties for social media companies that violate the law? Companies found in violation could face fines of up to $32 million.
• What concerns have been raised about the new law? Concerns include the potential for driving young users to less regulated online spaces and the enforceability of the law.
• How does this law compare to regulations in other countries? Australia’s law is among the strictest globally, similar to evolving regulations in the EU and the UK.
• What can parents do to protect their children online? Parents can utilize parental control features and open dialogue.
• What is the timeline for the implementation of this law? The law will come into effect on December 10th.

Share your thoughts on this developing story in the comments below! Let us know what you think about the balance between online safety and freedom.

What are the potential challenges Meta faces in implementing effective age verification methods, considering data privacy and accessibility concerns?

Understanding the New australian Regulations

Australia is taking a firm stance on protecting children online. New regulations, finalized in October 2025, mandate that social media platforms – specifically Meta (Facebook, Instagram, Threads) and TikTok – must verify the age of users and obtain parental consent for those under 16. This isn’t simply a request; it’s a legally enforceable requirement backed by significant penalties for non-compliance. The core aim is to address growing concerns surrounding child online safety,digital wellbeing,and the potential for harmful content exposure to younger users.These regulations build upon existing eSafety Commissioner powers and represent a significant escalation in online child protection measures.

How Meta is Responding to the Age Verification Challenge

Meta faces a complex challenge in implementing age verification. Historically, relying on self-reported birthdates has proven ineffective. The company is now exploring several options, including:

* Government ID Verification: A potential, tho controversial, method involving uploading identification documents. Concerns around data privacy and accessibility are paramount.

* Facial Age Estimation Technology: Utilizing AI to estimate age based on facial features. This raises ethical questions regarding accuracy and potential bias.

* Social Verification: Leveraging existing trusted relationships (e.g., parental connections) to verify age.

* Third-Party Verification Services: Partnering with specialized companies that offer age verification solutions.

Meta has publicly stated its commitment to complying with the Australian regulations, but the specific implementation details remain fluid. They are currently running pilot programs to test diffrent approaches, focusing on balancing user privacy with age assurance. Instagram, in particular, is under scrutiny due to its popularity with younger demographics.

TikTok’s Strategy for Under-16 User Restrictions

TikTok, already facing intense scrutiny regarding data security and content moderation, is also adapting to the new rules. Their approach appears to be leaning towards:

* Enhanced Parental Controls: Strengthening existing features allowing parents to manage their children’s accounts, including screen time limits and content filtering.

* Mandatory Parental Consent Forms: Requiring verifiable parental consent for users under 16, potentially through digital signatures or other secure methods.

* Age-Gated Content: Implementing stricter controls on content accessible to younger users, potentially restricting access to certain features or categories.

* Focus on TikTok Kids: Promoting the seperate “TikTok kids” app, designed specifically for younger audiences with enhanced safety features and parental controls.

TikTok’s response is elaborate by its global user base and the need for a scalable solution. The platform is actively working with Australian authorities to ensure full compliance. The effectiveness of these measures in preventing underage access remains to be seen.

The Implications for Australian Parents and Teens

These changes will significantly impact how Australian parents and teenagers interact with social media.

* Increased Parental Involvement: Parents will be required to actively participate in their children’s online activities, providing consent and potentially monitoring their accounts.

* Potential for Reduced Access: Some teenagers may find their access to certain platforms restricted or require parental supervision to continue using them.

* Focus on Digital Literacy: The regulations highlight the importance of digital literacy education for both parents and children, teaching them about online safety, privacy, and responsible social media use.

* Shift Towards Option Platforms: Some younger users may explore alternative platforms with less stringent age verification requirements,potentially exposing them to different risks.

The Broader Global Trend: Online Child Safety Regulations

Australia isn’t alone in tightening regulations around children’s online safety. Similar initiatives are gaining momentum worldwide:

* The UK’s Online Safety Bill: Imposes a duty of care on social media platforms to protect users from harmful content.

* The EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA): Includes provisions aimed at protecting minors online, including age verification requirements.

* US State-Level Legislation: Several US states are considering or have enacted laws related to children’s online privacy and safety.

This global trend reflects a growing recognition of the need to protect children from the potential harms of social media,including cyberbullying,online predation,and