Australia has become the first country in the world to ban children under 16 from using social media, with the law taking effect at midnight on Wednesday. Major platforms including TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and seven others are now required to block underage users or face fines of up to A$49.5 million ($33 million).
The landmark move, praised by parents and child-safety advocates but criticised by tech firms and free speech groups- is being closely watched globally as governments explore age-based online restrictions. Experts say Australia’s decision signals a major shift in how nations may challenge Big Tech’s influence.
Under the new rules, platforms will use tools such as age inference, age estimation, and ID verification to enforce the ban. All affected companies have agreed to comply except X, owned by Elon Musk. The government expects the list of restricted platforms to evolve as new apps emerge and young users migrate elsewhere.
Officials say the ban marks a turning point after years of concerns about social media’s impact on children’s mental health, highlighted by leaked Meta documents linking its platforms to body image issues and suicidal thoughts among teens. Before the ban, 86% of Australians aged 8–15 were active on social media.
