Australia on Wednesday began enforcing a sweeping new law that bans children under 16 from using major social media platforms, becoming the first country in the world to implement such a measure amid growing concern over online safety and mental health risks.
The law, which took effect at midnight local time, requires ten of the world’s biggest platforms — including TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, Snapchat, and Reddit — to remove all Australian users under 16 or face fines of up to $33 million.
Streaming sites like Twitch and Kick, as well as messaging platforms X and Threads, are also covered.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the unprecedented restrictions were needed to shield young people from “predatory algorithms” that amplify bullying, sexual content, violence and exploitation.
“Too often, social media isn’t social at all,” Albanese said before the rollout.
“It’s a weapon for bullies, a driver of anxiety and, worst of all, a tool for online predators.”
Rights Groups Condemn Ban
Millions of Australian teens woke up to deactivated accounts as platforms began enforcing the ban using facial recognition tools, government-issued IDs and other age-verification technologies.
The move has sparked global attention, with governments in Denmark, Malaysia, France, Greece, Romania, New Zealand and several U.S. states watching closely as they consider similar age limits.
Technology giants and digital rights groups have condemned the ban.
YouTube called the law “rushed,” warning it could push minors into less-regulated corners of the internet.
The Digital Freedom Project, an Australian rights group, has already filed a challenge seeking to reinstate teens on social platforms.
The government admits the system will not be perfect and expects some minors will try to circumvent verification.
But officials say the goal is to set a new global standard as countries grapple with the risks social media poses to children
