New Australian law fines social media platforms up to $33mn for under-16 users
MELBOURNE, Dec 3: Australia will begin enforcing a minimum social media age limit of 16 from December 10, requiring platforms to remove accounts of children under 16 or face fines of up to 50 million Australian dollars ($33 million).
The law applies to Facebook, Instagram, Kick, Reddit, Snapchat, Threads, TikTok, X, YouTube, and more recently, Twitch. Platforms are required to report monthly to the Australian eSafety Commissioner on the number of accounts closed, with the first notice sent on December 11 and continuing for six months.
Communications Minister Anika Wells highlighted that while age verification may take days or weeks, systemic breaches could lead to maximum fines imposed by courts.
Google announced that anyone under 16 in Australia will be signed out of YouTube from December 10, losing features available only to account holders, such as playlists
YouTube will determine ages using personal data from Google accounts and other signals.
Meta, which owns Facebook, Instagram, and Threads, said suspected underage users would be removed starting Thursday, with a process for those mistakenly removed to verify their age using government-issued IDs or video selfies.
The law has drawn criticism from companies, with Google calling it rushed and ineffective at making children safer online.
The Sydney-based Digital Freedom Project is seeking a High Court injunction to prevent the law from taking effect next week, though a court date has not been set.
Wells emphasized the government’s commitment to defending the law, noting strong parental support across Australia.
The move reflects a global trend to protect minors online. Malaysia plans to implement a similar under-16 ban in 2026, while the European Commission, France, Denmark, Greece, Romania, and New Zealand are also exploring minimum social media age limits.
The law aims to safeguard children, hold platforms accountable, and ensure consistent monitoring and verification to prevent underage access to social media services, while balancing user rights and safety concerns. (AP)
