CANBERRA — Australia is all set to enforce a new law on Dec. 10 banning children under 16 from using major social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and TikTok.
The Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Act, 2024, amends the country’s Online Safety Act of 2021 and requires platforms to take “reasonable steps” to block underage users. Companies that fail to comply face penalties of up to 50 million Australian dollars ($32 million).
Communications Minister Michelle Rowland said the law applies to TikTok, Facebook, Snapchat, Reddit, X, Instagram and YouTube, while regulators indicated additional platforms such as WhatsApp, Twitch and Roblox could be covered.
Australia has positioned itself as a leader in online safety legislation, though experts have warned the ban lacks clear enforcement measures and could prove largely symbolic.