Australia officially bans social media for teenagers under 16

Australia has banned children under 16 from social media. They are now banned from using major social media services including Tiktok, X, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Snapchat and Threads. They cannot set up new accounts and existing profiles are being deactivated. The ban is the first of its kind and is being watched closely by other countries. Under the new law, which came into effect at midnight local time on Wednesday (13:00 GMT on Tuesday), 10 of the biggest platforms face $33m in fines if they fail to purge Australian-based users younger than 16.The Australian government says unprecedented measures are needed to protect children from “predatory algorithms” filling phone screens with bullying, sex and violence. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said,For kids, it means a safer start online. For parents, it's one less thing to worry about.

Protecting kids. Backing parents.

Our social media ban for under-16s starts today. pic.twitter.com/4THxm0NdXV

— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) December 9, 2025

Under the law, 10 of the biggest platforms, including TikTok, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube, will not allow Australians under 16 to use their services, and they will use technologies such as facial recognition and government-issued IDs to verify their age.