Daijiworld Media Network – Canberra
Canberra, Dec 3: Social media platforms will be required to report monthly on the number of children’s accounts they shut down once Australia begins enforcing its new 16-year age limit next week, Communications Minister Anika Wells announced on Wednesday.
From December 10, major platforms including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, Reddit, Threads, X, YouTube and Kick will face fines of up to AUD 50 million (USD 33 million) if they fail to take reasonable steps to remove accounts belonging to Australian users under 16. Livestreaming platform Twitch was added to the age-restricted list less than two weeks ago.
The eSafety Commissioner will issue notices on December 11 demanding data on the number of accounts removed, followed by monthly notices for six months. “The government recognizes that age assurance may require several days or weeks to complete fairly and accurately,” Wells told the National Press Club. “However, if eSafety identifies systemic breaches of the law, the platforms will face fines.”
Google confirmed that from December 10, under-16 users in Australia will be signed out of YouTube and lose account-only features such as playlists. The company said age verification would rely on data from linked Google accounts and other indicators.
Google criticized the policy, saying the “rushed legislation misunderstands our platform” and does not achieve its intended goal of improving online safety.
Meta, which owns Facebook, Instagram and Threads, said it will begin removing suspected underage users from Thursday. Users 16 and older who are mistakenly blocked will be able to verify their age through Yoti Age Verification using government ID or a video selfie.
Meanwhile, the Digital Freedom Project, a Sydney-based rights group, is seeking a High Court injunction to prevent the law from taking effect next week. A hearing date is yet to be scheduled.
Wells defended the legislation, saying it reflects growing international momentum. “Parents across Australia asked for government to step up,” she said. She also noted similar discussions underway in the EU, France, Denmark, Greece, Romania and New Zealand.
Malaysia recently announced it will ban social media accounts for children under 16 from 2026.