SRINAGAR: Australia on Wednesday implemented a landmark law prohibiting anyone under 16 from accessing social media platforms, becoming the first country to introduce such a sweeping restriction, according to The BBC news. The ban applies to major platforms including TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, Snapchat, Reddit, X, Threads, Twitch and Kick.
Under the law — passed last year with broad bipartisan support — tech companies are required to identify and disable accounts belonging to Australian users under 16. Firms that fail to take what the legislation describes as “reasonable steps” to remove underage users face penalties of up to A$49.5 million (about US$32 million).
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the measure marked a decisive shift in favour of public interest over corporate influence. “This is the day when Australian families are taking back power from these big tech companies,” he said, as quoted by The New York Times.
The regulation has triggered global debate about online safety, youth mental health and government intervention in digital spaces. Supporters argue the ban is a necessary step to shield children from harmful content, while critics warn it could isolate vulnerable young people and drive them toward less-regulated parts of the internet.
Most of the ten affected services said they would comply with the new requirements, with some already deactivating accounts ahead of enforcement. However, several companies have raised concerns about what they describe as an unclear definition of “social media services” under the law, cautioning that the restrictions may have unintended consequences.
Australia’s move places it at the forefront of international efforts to regulate children’s digital access, positioning the country as a potential model for others considering similar legislation.
