Australia will introduce a ban on social media for young people starting in 2025
10 december 2025 в 18:37
Australia has introduced a ban on the use of social media for users under the age of 16, which will take effect on December 10, 2025. Millions of teenagers and children will wake up on that day without access to their social media accounts, including Facebook, Instagram, and X — three of the most popular platforms in the world.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated in his address that this is a «proud day» for the country. «Today, Australian families are reclaiming power from big tech companies», - he said, as reported by CNN. «They assert the right of children to be children and the right of parents to have more peace of mind».
The social media ban affects all Australians under the age of 16. The list of 10 banned platforms includes Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Snapchat, YouTube, TikTok, Kick, Reddit, Twitch, and X.com.
Snapchat has suspended access to the accounts of these teenagers until they turn 16; YouTube will automatically log them out of their accounts on December 10, but user data will remain saved so they can recover their accounts; TikTok announced that all content posted by younger users will no longer be visible; and Meta has invited its users to download their content before the ban takes effect.
All 10 platforms that are subject to the ban have stated their readiness to comply with the law by using age verification technologies. The platforms are now required to take «reasonable steps» to deactivate all accounts of users under 16, or they risk facing fines.
The social media ban aims to protect children under 16 from harmful online content, such as cyberbullying and sexual exploitation.
Some platforms are not included in the ban, such as Discord, GitHub, Lego Play, Messenger, Pinterest, Roblox, Steam, Steam Chat, WhatsApp, and YouTube Kids.
Teenagers who turn 16 will be able to recover most of their social media accounts. All users affected by the ban received a notification from Meta stating: «Due to laws in Australia, in two weeks you will not be able to use Instagram until you turn 16»
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated in his address that this is a «proud day» for the country. «Today, Australian families are reclaiming power from big tech companies», - he said, as reported by CNN. «They assert the right of children to be children and the right of parents to have more peace of mind».
The social media ban affects all Australians under the age of 16. The list of 10 banned platforms includes Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Snapchat, YouTube, TikTok, Kick, Reddit, Twitch, and X.com.
Snapchat has suspended access to the accounts of these teenagers until they turn 16; YouTube will automatically log them out of their accounts on December 10, but user data will remain saved so they can recover their accounts; TikTok announced that all content posted by younger users will no longer be visible; and Meta has invited its users to download their content before the ban takes effect.
All 10 platforms that are subject to the ban have stated their readiness to comply with the law by using age verification technologies. The platforms are now required to take «reasonable steps» to deactivate all accounts of users under 16, or they risk facing fines.
The social media ban aims to protect children under 16 from harmful online content, such as cyberbullying and sexual exploitation.
Some platforms are not included in the ban, such as Discord, GitHub, Lego Play, Messenger, Pinterest, Roblox, Steam, Steam Chat, WhatsApp, and YouTube Kids.
Teenagers who turn 16 will be able to recover most of their social media accounts. All users affected by the ban received a notification from Meta stating: «Due to laws in Australia, in two weeks you will not be able to use Instagram until you turn 16»
© Artemenko Olga
