Australia will enforce a new law on December 10 that bans children under 16 from using several major social media platforms. The government added Reddit and livestreaming service Kick to its restricted list, joining Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, X, Threads, and Snapchat.
Communications Minister Anika Wells confirmed that platforms must remove or block underage users or face penalties of up to 50 million Australian dollars (€28.3 million). “We have met with these companies so they understand there is no excuse for failure,” Wells said. “They use technology to target children with precision; now they must use it to protect them.”
The law marks the world’s first nationwide restriction of this kind and reflects growing global concern about children’s exposure to social media.
Government Plans Oversight and Research on Effects
Australia’s eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant will oversee the implementation and enforcement of the ban. She said the list of restricted platforms would expand as new technologies emerge. “We will continue to assess and adapt as new platforms develop,” Inman Grant explained.
According to the government, the rule targets platforms whose main purpose is to enable online social interaction. Inman Grant also announced plans to study the broader effects of the ban. “We’ll examine whether children sleep better, interact more, or become more physically active,” she said. “We’ll track unintended consequences and gather data to help other nations learn from our approach.”
Global Reactions and Ongoing Debate
Australia’s new law has drawn global attention. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen praised the move at a United Nations forum, calling it “a common-sense measure to protect children.” Denmark’s Ambassador to Australia, Ingrid Dahl-Madsen, also said her country would observe Australia’s model closely as it considers similar legislation.
Critics argue the ban could undermine privacy by forcing users to verify their age. Wells responded that the government aims to protect personal data while enforcing the law. “We are determined to keep users’ information as private as possible,” she stated.
More than 140 experts in technology and child welfare have voiced opposition, calling the policy “too blunt an instrument” to address social media risks effectively. Despite criticism, Australia continues to lead global efforts to regulate young people’s access to online platforms.
