Australia Enforces Strict Social Media Age Law

Australia is set to introduce landmark regulations that prohibit anyone under 16 from having a social media account, marking one of the toughest measures for online safety globally. The Online Safety Amendment (Minimum Social Media Age) Act, which passed last November, takes effect on Wednesday.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated that beginning December 10, the online presence of minors will be heavily restricted. In a recent video, he emphasized, “You know better than anyone what it’s like to grow up with algorithms and the pressures that come with it.”

Social media platforms impacted by this law include Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and others. The Australian eSafety Commissioner indicated that these platforms must take reasonable steps to enforce this age limit. This includes implementing age verification methods, removing accounts of users below the age threshold, and using tools to prevent re-registration, like VPN detection.

There’s also an expectation for these platforms to provide accessible support for young users whose accounts have been disabled. The eSafety Commissioner highlighted the need for a clear process for reporting underage accounts and receiving support, including how to challenge or review account decisions regarding age.

Businesses that do not comply with these regulations could face heavy penalties, reaching up to A$49.5 million, or around $32 million.

Albanese acknowledged that while no solution is perfect, it reflects society’s desire to safeguard young people’s experiences online. He noted the rising mental health concerns linked to social media and emphasized the importance of allowing children to enjoy their childhood while empowering parents to engage in these discussions.