Australia to BAN under-16s from social media in world-first law with fines of up to £25M for tech giants who fail to comply

Australia Bans Under-16s from Social Media: £25M Fines Loom for Non-Compliance

Australia has introduced a world-first law banning social media accounts for children under the age of 16. Described as “world-leading,” this groundbreaking legislation is set to come into effect in November 2025 and will enforce strict age-verification measures across major platforms like TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, and X. Companies failing to comply could face fines of up to 50 million AUD (£25 million).

What the New Law Means

This new law requires social media platforms to take “reasonable steps” to verify the age of users and prevent those under 16 from creating accounts. The move is part of Australia’s efforts to enhance online safety for younger users, addressing growing concerns about mental health, data privacy, and the addictive nature of social media.

Non-compliance with the law will result in hefty fines, making it one of the toughest social media regulations globally. Lawmakers believe these measures will reduce exposure to harmful content and prevent the exploitation of vulnerable users.

Timeline for Implementation

Social media companies have been given one year to develop and implement these age-verification systems before fines take effect in November 2025. During this transition period, the Australian government plans to trial age-verification technologies to ensure compliance and effectiveness.

Global Impact

This legislation is being closely watched by other nations. As the first law of its kind, it could set a precedent for global social media regulations. Many experts suggest this is the beginning of a larger movement towards child protection online. Countries like the UK and US may follow suit with similar laws, especially as public concern over social media’s impact on mental health continues to grow.

Responses from Social Media Companies

Tech giants like Meta, which owns Facebook and Instagram, have voiced concerns. While Meta has a self-imposed minimum age of 13 for its platforms, the company argues that empowering parents and providing educational tools might be more effective than outright bans.

Despite these objections, Australian lawmakers remain firm in their stance, prioritizing stricter safeguards to protect children from online harm.

Why It Matters

Australia’s social media ban for under-16s represents a major shift in how governments regulate digital platforms. With fines as high as £25 million, the law signals the growing importance of accountability for tech companies. It also raises questions about the balance between protecting children and maintaining accessibility to digital spaces for young users.

Call-to-Action

What do you think about Australia’s bold approach to social media regulation? Could this become the new global standard for online safety? Share your thoughts and join the conversation.