Australia is set to implement a landmark law banning people under the age of sixteen from holding or creating accounts on many major social media platforms.

The rule comes into force on December tenth, 2025, after the passage of the Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Act 2024.

Under the legislation, companies behind platforms like TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Snapchat, X and Reddit must take “reasonable steps” to prevent under-sixteens from using their services — or face fines of up to A$ fifty million.

The obligation lies entirely with the platforms; neither minors nor their parents will be penalised.

The law affects newly created accounts and those already held by under-sixteens.

From early December, operators such as Meta (owner of Facebook and Instagram) have begun warning users under sixteen and offering them a window to download their data before accounts are deactivated.

Some platforms may require age verification via facial-recognition video selfie or other identity checks.

Supporters of the ban argue it protects young people from harmful online content, cyberbullying, algorithmic exploitation and mental-health risks associated with social media use at a vulnerable age.

The government frames it as a protective, proactive measure for children’s wellbeing.

But legal challenges have already begun.

Two fifteen-year-olds, backed by a digital-rights group, have filed a case in the High Court claiming the law violates their right to political communication.

Critics also warn the law could push teenagers toward less-regulated or unsafe online spaces, or compromise privacy through intrusive age-verification systems.

As the enforcement date approaches, parents, educators and youth advocates are scrambling to understand how the ban will operate — and whether it will achieve its goal of keeping children safe online without unintended consequences for digital rights and access.