By Sushant Agarwal
Published on | Dec 10, 2025
Australia bans under-16s from Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and other major social media platforms.
The world is watching as Australia tests whether it can rein in big tech and protect young users online.
Hundreds of thousands of teens are impacted, including 350,000 Australians aged 13-15 on Instagram alone.
Only users suspected of being underage must prove their age using government ID or a video selfie.
Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, Kick, Twitch, and YouTube are under the new restrictions.
Roblox, Pinterest, and WhatsApp are currently exempt, though the government may review the list.
Platforms are responsible for spotting underage accounts and deactivating them when needed.
Authorities warn teens may use fake IDs or AI tools to bypass the restrictions.
Social media companies must stop underage access using their own solutions, though no method is perfect.
Platforms face fines up to AU$49.5 million (USD 33 million) if they fail to take reasonable steps to comply.