Australia has introduced a world-first regulatory measure by enforcing a nationwide ban preventing individuals under the age of 16 from holding accounts on major social media platforms. The policy, which took effect on 10 December 2025, is designed to significantly restrict young people’s access to platforms considered high-risk. Both Forbes Australia and ABC News have detailed the scope, intentions and implications of the reform.
At the centre of the change is a requirement for social media companies to take “reasonable steps” to ensure users are aged 16 or older before they can create or maintain accounts. Forbes Australia believes the responsibility lies entirely with the platforms, not with children or parents. Companies face substantial penalties if they fail to comply, including multi-million-dollar fines. The policy seeks to address concerns around mental health, cyberbullying, sexual exploitation, and exposure to inappropriate content—issues the government argues are amplified when children spend unsupervised time online.
Who the Ban Affects
The group most directly affected is Australians aged under 16. Young people who previously held accounts on affected platforms are now required to be signed out. Forbes Australia notes, this includes losing access to personal features such as subscriptions, likes, playlists, follower lists and private messaging—essentially anything that requires a logged-in account. Children may still be able to view some publicly available content, such as general videos on YouTube, but they cannot have a profile or interact as members of the platform.
ABC News highlights that parents and guardians are not legally liable, nor are children. The law places the entire burden on the companies themselves. It also affects adults only indirectly, largely through potential disruptions in how platforms verify age or handle account-creation processes.
Which Social Media Platforms Are Included
The Australian government has designated 10 platforms as “age-restricted social media services” covered by the new rules:
- TikTok
- Snapchat
- YouTube
- X (formerly Twitter)
- Twitch
- Threads
- Kick
These platforms must ensure that no user under 16 can maintain or open an account.
Several services remain exempt, including messaging-focused or child-specific platforms. Examples highlighted in their coverage include WhatsApp, Discord, Roblox, YouTube Kids, Google Classroom and LEGO Play. These are considered different in function or already include child-safety frameworks.
However, the list may grow or change as the eSafety Commissioner continues to review platforms and determine whether they fall within the regulatory definition of social media.
How Platforms Must Enforce the Ban
Companies are expected to adopt various age-assurance technologies, though the government has not mandated a specific method. Tools may include AI-powered age estimation, behavioural detection signals or voluntary ID checks. Platforms cannot require government identification, but they must demonstrate that they are taking active, reasonable measures to reduce the likelihood of under-age users slipping through. This area remains one of the most technically challenging aspects of enforcement.
How Platforms Must Enforce the Ban
Companies are expected to adopt various age-assurance technologies, though the government has not mandated a specific method. Tools may include AI-powered age estimation, behavioural detection signals or voluntary ID checks. Platforms cannot require government identification, but they must demonstrate that they are taking active, reasonable measures to reduce the likelihood of under-age users slipping through. This area remains one of the most technically challenging aspects of enforcement.
Conclusion
Both outlets note that the policy has prompted significant public discussion. Supporters consider it an overdue step in protecting children’s wellbeing online. Critics, however, question how effective the ban will be, and whether young people might instead move to unregulated online spaces where risks could be even greater. ABC News has reported on ongoing legal appeals and debates from youth groups and technology experts surrounding freedom, access, and feasibility.
Australia’s decision makes it the first nation to impose such a strict, enforceable minimum age, and both Forbes Australia and ABC News suggest this policy will be closely watched by other governments considering similar protections.
For further details on the Australian Government’s nationwide ban, see: Kicked off: Australia’s Social Media Ban for Under-16s is Here and Which Apps are Included in Australia’s Social Media Ban.
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