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Australia Leads Global Shift: Social Media Ban for Under-16s Takes Effect
Australia has become the first nation to enact a nationwide ban on social media access for individuals under the age of 16, a landmark decision poised to ignite a global debate on protecting youth in the digital age.The law, which went into effect on December 10, 2025, enjoys broad bipartisan support and reflects growing concerns about the impact of prolonged exposure to digital content on adolescent progress.
A New Era of Digital Regulation
The move comes as governments worldwide grapple with the challenges of safeguarding children online. Supported by all political parties in Australia, the legislation aims to shield young people from the potential harms associated with social networking platforms. This includes issues like cyberbullying, exposure to inappropriate content, and the detrimental effects on mental health.
Platforms Respond: Millions of Accounts Deactivated
In response to the new regulations, major social media platforms have already begun to comply. To date, platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat have deactivated a combined 4.7 million accounts belonging to users identified as being under the age of 16. The enforcement hinges on robust age verification measures. Teenagers are now required to provide identification and submit a selfie, which is then analyzed by software designed to estimate their age.
However, the ban is not without its challenges. Despite these safeguards,young people are actively seeking ways to circumvent the restrictions. Reports indicate that methods range from using deceptive grimaces or makeup to mislead facial recognition software, to enlisting the assistance of adult relatives to create accounts.
Critically important Penalties for Non-Compliance
The Australian government has signaled its commitment to enforcing the law with substantial financial penalties. Digital companies found in violation of the regulations risk fines of up to 49.5 million Australian dollars – approximately 28.5 million euros. To avoid these sanctions, Meta proactively deleted over 500,000 accounts in a single week:
- 331,000 accounts removed from Instagram
- 173,000 accounts removed from Facebook
- 40,000 accounts removed from Threads
According to a company release, Meta is now urging other industry leaders to strengthen their own age verification protocols and implement stricter controls before allowing any application installation by a minor.
Global Ripples: Paris and London Weigh In
Australia’s bold step is already prompting serious consideration in other major capitals. The United Kingdom is currently evaluating the feasibility of implementing a similar ban on social media for those under 16. Prime Minister keir Starmer has stated his government “don’t rule out any options” in its pursuit of enhanced child protection measures.
In France, President Emmanuel Macron confirmed in mid-December his intention to prohibit social media access for individuals under 15. This initiative is part of a broader national tour focused on digital regulation. A bill outlining the specifics of the ban is scheduled for parliamentary review at the beginning of the year, with a planned implementation date coinciding with the start of the school year in September 2026.
The Australian legislation marks a pivotal moment
