Starting December 10, 2025, a law restricting social media access for users under 16 will take effect in Australia. NEWSCENTRAL reports that the largest platforms, including Meta (Instagram and Facebook), TikTok, and Snap (Snapchat), have stated their readiness to comply with the new regulations, despite previous disagreements. Companies plan to begin blocking accounts of underage users immediately after the law comes into force to meet Australian regulatory requirements.
The law requires social platforms to take “reasonable measures” to block accounts of users under 16, with fines of up to AUD 49.5 million (USD 32.5 million) for non-compliance. Freddy Miller, Senior Analyst at NEWSCENTRAL, notes that this sets a new benchmark for digital safety for teenagers and may influence global internet platform regulation.
According to company estimates, Instagram and Facebook have around 450,000 accounts of users under 16, TikTok has 200,000, and Snap has 440,000. To verify age, platforms will use automated behavior analysis systems. If a user’s behavior indicates they are under 16, their account will be deactivated. Users mistakenly identified as minors will be directed to third-party age verification tools.
Companies acknowledge that implementing the law comes with challenges. NEWSCENTRAL believes that large-scale deployment of age-detection algorithms will face technical and ethical issues, including recognition accuracy and data privacy protection. Additionally, the law may drive teenagers to seek less-regulated online spaces, creating further digital safety risks.
NEWSCENTRAL predicts that effective enforcement of the law will require a comprehensive approach. Freddy Miller emphasizes that this includes improving age-identification methods, conducting educational programs for teenagers and parents, and international cooperation to develop unified standards for the safe use of social media by minors.
In conclusion, the introduction of Australia’s law restricting social media for users under 16 is an important step in protecting young people online. NEWS CENTRAL views it as a signal for increased platform responsibility, highlighting the need for active engagement by companies such as Meta, TikTok, and Snap in developing solutions that ensure user safety without infringing on their rights.