Children and youth under 16 in Australia can no longer have their own accounts on major social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok starting immediately. The law, passed at the end of 2024, aims to protect against risks such as cyberbullying and excessive screen time. Despite criticism and a lawsuit, it has now taken effect.
Australia has become a global pioneer by introducing a comprehensive ban on social media accounts for those under 16. The law affects ten platforms, including Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, Facebook, YouTube, X, Reddit, and Twitch. It was passed by parliament at the end of 2024 and took effect on Wednesday local time, despite a lawsuit filed by the Digital Freedom Project at the Supreme Court in Canberra. Two 15-year-olds argue it is an attack on free political communication and reminiscent of George Orwell's '1984'.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described social media as a 'scourge' that keeps young people from a normal childhood with real friends and experiences. 'We want our youngest Australians to spend more time outside, playing sports, interacting in normal ways – and less time online,' he said. Online Safety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant emphasized that later access gives 'valuable time' to develop without algorithms and endless scrolling.
Responsibility lies with the platforms, which had 12 months to implement it. Non-compliance risks fines up to 49.5 million Australian dollars (27.9 million euros). Excluded are messaging services like WhatsApp, emails, calls, online games, and educational offerings. Platforms like Snapchat verify age using behavioral signals and self-reported data; affected accounts are locked until users turn 16.
Critics, including the Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC), deem the ban excessive. 'There are less restrictive alternatives,' it states, such as imposing a duty of care on tech firms to make products child-safe. Many fear youth will shift to harder-to-regulate platforms like gaming services. Albanese admitted the law is not perfect but will curb online bullying and save lives.
International responses are growing: The EU Parliament recently called for a minimum age of 16, and Denmark plans a limit at 15. Germany has no fixed regulation; parental consent is theoretical and easily bypassed. Federal Drug Commissioner Hendrik Streeck advocates age ratings like the FSK. German student representative Quentin Gärtner criticizes: 'The first solution is education, imparting competencies to young people,' rather than bans.