Australia is making global headlines with a world-first move: banning social media for anyone under 16! Starting December 10th, major platforms like Instagram, Threads, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube must block underage users or face hefty fines of up to US$32 million.
Tech giant Meta has already begun removing under-16s from its platforms in Australia. While committed to compliance, Meta argues that app stores should be responsible for age verification, preventing teens from having to prove their age repeatedly. They also assure users that content will be saved and restored once they turn 16. Hundreds of thousands of Australian adolescents, including 350,000 Instagram users aged 13-15, will be impacted.
Not everyone is on board. YouTube, for example, claims the ban will make young Australians “less safe” by removing safety filters for those who might still browse without an account. However, Australia’s Communications Minister, Anika Wells, called YouTube’s argument “weird,” emphasizing that if their website isn’t safe for age-restricted users, it’s a problem YouTube needs to fix.
Minister Wells highlighted the critical reason for the ban: protecting teen mental health. She spoke of algorithms “latching on” to young users, bombarding them with content that can severely damage self-esteem, even leading to tragic outcomes. While acknowledging this law won’t solve every internet harm, she believes it will empower kids to pursue healthier online experiences.
The ban isn’t without its critics; an internet rights group has already challenged it in court, citing free speech concerns. Australia also anticipates teens trying to bypass the rules with fake IDs or AI. Still, the world watches closely as other nations like Malaysia and New Zealand consider similar restrictions, hoping Australia’s bold step can offer a blueprint for safer online spaces for our youth.
