Australia to Ban Social Media for Children
As other governments consider similar measures, debates continue over whether such policies serve to protect children or simply expand state and corporate control over online spaces.
Australia — PUREWILAYAH.COM - Australia is set to introduce one of the world’s most far-reaching restrictions on online activity for minors, banning all social-media use for children under 16 starting Wednesday.
The move, approved by Parliament last year, will block access to platforms including TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and other major services.
Government Orders Platforms to Block All Under-16 Accounts
According to the Australian government, beginning 10 December 2025, social-media platforms must take “reasonable steps” to prevent those under 16 from creating or maintaining accounts, describing the measure as necessary to protect children “at a critical stage of their development.”
Companies that fail to comply may face penalties of up to $33 million.
Platforms will be required to rely on a combination of signals — such as viewing habits, account activity, and user photographs — to detect underage users. They must also prevent minors from bypassing age limits using fake IDs, AI-generated images, deepfakes, or VPNs.
Tech Firms Call the Ban Rushed and Unclear
Major tech companies have sharply criticized the new law. TikTok and Meta described the legislation as “vague,” “problematic,” and “rushed,” but said they would comply. Meta has already begun removing under-16 accounts ahead of the deadline.
Other platforms, including Snapchat and Reddit, said the ban risks pushing young users into “darker corners of the internet.” Reddit called the government’s approach “legally erroneous” and “arbitrary.”
Other Governments Move Toward Similar Restrictions
Australia’s move is part of a broader trend among governments seeking tighter control over youth engagement online.
The European Parliament passed a non-binding resolution urging a minimum age of 16 for social-media access.
Denmark has proposed banning users under 15.
France, Spain, Italy, Denmark, and Greece are jointly testing an age-verification system.
Malaysia plans to implement a ban for under-16s in 2026.
Russia recently banned the children’s gaming platform Roblox, citing extremist and LGBTQ content.
Growing Legal Pressure Over Child Safety
The global push for stricter regulations comes amid mounting legal challenges against major platforms.
Meta is currently facing lawsuits in the United States alleging the company allowed harmful and illicit activity to persist on its platforms, including contact between adults and minors, self-harm content, eating-disorder communities, and child sexual-abuse material.
An Expanding Model of Digital Control
With Australia becoming the first state to enforce a blanket ban on all under-16 social-media usage, the move signals a broader Western regulatory approach that leans heavily on surveillance-based age verification, compulsory data checks, and punitive enforcement mechanisms.
As other governments consider similar measures, debates continue over whether such policies serve to protect children or simply expand state and corporate control over online spaces. (PW)