Australia is poised to become the first country to enforce a nationwide ban on social media access for users under 16, and Big Tech is finally falling in line. Platforms including Facebook, Instagram, Threads (Meta), TikTok, and Snapchat have begun notifying over 1 million Australian teen users to either download their data, freeze their profiles, or lose access entirely.
The law, passed earlier this year, sparked intense lobbying and legal threats from tech companies, who warned of user loss and compliance costs—including potential A$49.5 million ($32 million) fines for violations. But with the December 10 deadline looming, platforms are now preparing to deactivate accounts registered by users under 16.
Key developments:
Teen users are receiving in-app alerts prompting them to act before the cutoff.
Accounts not verified or frozen will be deleted, with no option to recover data afterward.
Australia’s 20 million other users will see little disruption, as the law targets only underage accounts.
The move is being hailed as a global first in youth digital protection, with other countries watching closely.
The law is being enforced by Australia’s eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant, in collaboration with Communications Minister Anika Wells. Critics argue the ban may push teens to unregulated platforms or VPNs, while supporters say it’s a necessary step to protect mental health and privacy.
This shift marks a dramatic turnaround from earlier defiance, signaling that regulatory pressure is reshaping platform behavior—at least in jurisdictions willing to act boldly.
