Sydney: Australia teen social media ban has entered its enforcement phase as the country prepares to block access for users under 16 starting in December.
The eSafety Commissioner has directed platforms to employ ‘minimally invasive’ techniques, including artificial intelligence and behavioural data, to verify user ages.
eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant has explained that companies already use precise targeting technology for advertising, which can be applied to age detection. Grant said that platforms should be able to filter out underage users without demanding widespread re-verification from adults, as that would be unreasonable.
In July, Grant extended the scope of the ban to include YouTube, owned by Alphabet, following objections from Meta, TikTok, and Snapchat about earlier exemptions. Google and Meta have not yet responded to requests for comment.
The new law, passed in November 2024, has provided platforms one year to implement compliance systems before the 10 December deadline. Companies are required to deactivate accounts belonging to children under 16, prevent re-registration attempts, and offer accessible complaints processes for users.
Federal Communications Minister Anika Wells has urged firms to take ‘reasonable steps’ to meet the requirements, stating that there was no excuse for non-compliance. Wells said that the companies rank among the most resourced in the world and should demonstrate accountability.
Australia has positioned itself as the first country to introduce such a broad ban, citing concerns about the mental health impact of social media on young people. A February eSafety report showed that 95 percent of teenagers aged 13 to 15 had used at least one platform since January 2024, with the actual figure likely higher.
Wells has compared the law to policing threats, saying that while governments cannot control the digital landscape, they can enforce rules on platforms to protect vulnerable users.
Global observers are closely watching the rollout, as Australia’s model may influence similar regulations in Europe and North America. Analysts have said that the reliance on AI-based verification could set a precedent for balancing privacy with safety in digital regulation.
The legislation underscores a wider debate over how governments, regulators, and tech companies share responsibility for online safety. With the deadline approaching, the Australian government has maintained that enforcement will be strict, and companies failing to comply risk penalties.
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