Australia will enforce a sweeping ban on children under 16 using major social media platforms starting December 10. The government added Reddit and livestreaming service Kick to the growing list of restricted platforms. These join Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, Threads, X, and YouTube under the new rule.
Communications Minister Anika Wells announced the expansion in Canberra, confirming penalties for companies that fail to comply. Platforms that do not take reasonable measures to remove underage users face fines of up to 50 million Australian dollars (€28.3 million).
“We have spoken with these companies in recent weeks,” Wells said. “They can’t claim ignorance. We expect full compliance with the law.” She added, “If they can use technology to target children, they can use it to protect them.”
Officials Aim to Protect Children, Study Impacts
Australia’s eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant will oversee enforcement of the ban. She said the list of age-restricted platforms would evolve as new technologies appear. “Each platform meets the condition that its main purpose is to enable social interaction online,” the government explained.
Inman Grant said researchers will study the effects of the law on children’s behavior. “We’ll measure whether they sleep more, move more, or spend more time interacting in person,” she stated. “We’ll also track unintended consequences and gather data so other nations can learn from Australia’s approach.”
Officials view the policy as a pioneering effort to combat online harm and ensure safer digital spaces for young users.
Global Reactions and Ongoing Debate
Australia’s move has attracted global attention. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen praised the policy in September, calling it “a common-sense approach” to child safety online. Denmark’s Ambassador to Australia, Ingrid Dahl-Madsen, said her government plans to monitor the results closely.
However, critics argue that the age ban could compromise user privacy by requiring proof of age. Over 140 academics in technology and child welfare signed an open letter opposing the plan, describing it as “too blunt an instrument” to handle online risks effectively.
Wells countered that the government remains committed to protecting personal data. “We want safety without sacrificing privacy,” she said. Despite debate, Australia stands firm, preparing to become the first nation to legally require social media platforms to block users under 16.
