Australia will enforce a new law from December 10 banning children under 16 from using major social media platforms. The government added Reddit and livestreaming service Kick to the list of restricted platforms, joining Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Threads, TikTok, X, and YouTube.
Communications Minister Anika Wells announced the update on Wednesday, stressing that companies must close underage accounts. Platforms that fail to take “reasonable steps” face fines of up to 50 million Australian dollars (€28.3 million).
Wells said the government had already met several platform representatives to ensure full compliance. “Online platforms use advanced technology to target children,” she said. “We now demand they use that same technology to protect them.”
Enforcement and Evaluation of the New Restrictions
Australia’s eSafety Commissioner, Julie Inman Grant, will oversee the new age enforcement measures. She confirmed the list of restricted sites will evolve as new technologies emerge. The nine platforms currently included meet the government’s definition of those whose “main or significant purpose” enables social interaction.
Inman Grant said her office will partner with researchers to assess how the ban affects children’s behavior. “We will study whether kids sleep better, interact more, or become more active,” she said. “We’ll also track unintended consequences and gather data so other countries can learn from our approach.”
Global Interest and Debate Over Privacy
Australia’s decision has drawn worldwide attention. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen praised the policy in September, calling it a “common-sense” response to social media risks. Denmark’s ambassador to Australia, Ingrid Dahl-Madsen, said her government would study Australia’s model to better protect children online.
Critics, however, warn that the law could compromise user privacy since all users may need to verify their age. More than 140 academics wrote to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese last year, arguing that an age ban is “too blunt an instrument” to manage online risks effectively.
Wells assured Australians that the government aims to preserve user privacy while enforcing the law. “We will protect both safety and privacy,” she said. “Our goal is to build a safer online environment without unnecessary intrusion.”
