Australia’s landmark social media ban for children under 16 officially took effect at midnight, making it the first country in the world to block access to major platforms for younger users, Reuters reported. The move forces companies including TikTok, YouTube, Instagram and Facebook to prevent underage access or face fines of up to A$49.5 million ($33 million) under a new national law.
Ten major platforms were ordered to comply starting Wednesday, according to Reuters, as the government responds to mounting concerns about the impact of social media on children’s mental health, safety and wellbeing. The decision has drawn pushback from tech companies and free speech advocates but has been widely welcomed by parents and child-safety groups.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese defended the measure in a video message that Sky News Australia said will be shown in schools, urging young people to rediscover offline activities. “Rather than spending it scrolling on your phone, start a new sport, learn a new instrument, or read that book… And importantly, spend quality time with your friends and your family, face to face,” he said.
The rollout marks the culmination of months of speculation over whether a government could successfully restrict children’s use of platforms now embedded in daily life. Reuters reported that lawmakers worldwide are monitoring Australia’s approach as they consider similar age-based restrictions. Denmark, Malaysia and several U.S. states are weighing comparable measures.
Curtin University professor Tama Leaver told Reuters the ban could set a global precedent, describing it as “the canary in the coal mine” for governments seeking to rein in Big Tech.
Most platforms, except Elon Musk’s X, have agreed to comply using age inference tools, age estimation via selfies, or verification through ID or financial information. Musk has criticized the law, arguing it “seems like a backdoor way to control access to the internet by all Australians.” A High Court challenge is pending.
While social media firms say they earn little from advertising to children, the government noted that 86% of Australians aged eight to 15 used social media before the ban—raising concerns that some young people may feel cut off. Fourteen-year-old Annie Wang told Reuters the restrictions could worsen isolation for LGBTQ+ youth and others who rely on online communities for connection.
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