Canberra [Australia], December 11: Australia's nationwide ban on social media accounts for children under the age of 16 took effect on Wednesday.
The country passed the law, that blocks minors from having social media accounts on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook and Reddit, last year.
If companies fail to comply with new rules to keep minors off their platforms, they face fines of up to 49.5 million Australian dollars ($32.9 million, €30 million).
"This is indeed a proud day to be Australian," Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said, as he described the measure as a major step toward improving online safety for young people.
Here are the key points:
Australia has blocked under-16s from major social media platforms
Platforms face fines of up to A$49.5 million for noncompliance
Children began losing access as the law took effect Wednesday
Tech companies and rights groups have criticized the move
Other governments are studying Australia's model
Albanese called the reform "one of the biggest social and cultural changes that our nation has faced."
Which social media is banned in Australia?
Ten of the largest platforms were ordered to adopt age-verification measures from midnight local time.
TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat and Reddit are all included, alongside streaming platforms such as Twitch and Kick.
WhatsApp, email services, online games and educational tools have been exempt from the ban.
Hundreds of thousands of young users were automatically logged out when the law came into force. In the hours before the cutoff, some children posted farewells to their online audiences, using tags such as "#seeyouwhenim16."
The Albanese government said the restrictions aim to reduce exposure to cyberbullying, distressing content and other risks linked to heavy social media use among teenagers.
Albanese acknowledged challenges in implementing the ban, saying: "It won't be perfect. This is a big change. Success is the fact that it's happening. Success is the fact that we're having this discussion."
Platforms critcize social media ban, but comply with law
Major platforms and civil liberties groups have criticized the law. Meta, which owns Facebook and Instagram, said the rules could push children toward less regulated online spaces.
X, owned by Elon Musk, had dragged its feet on implementing the law, but said on Wednesday it would comply: "It's not our choice - it's what the Australian law requires."
Companies have told the government they will use age-inference tools, selfie-based estimation and optional ID checks to determine a user's age. Canberra says the list of covered platforms will evolve as new products attract young audiences.
Reddit has said it cannot confirm reports it may challenge the ban in Australia's High Court. A digital-rights group has already filed its own bid for reinstating teen access.
Several governments, including New Zealand, Denmark and Malaysia, have signaled they may study or emulate Australia's approach.
The European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen previously said she was "inspired" by the Australian move to impose age restrictions.
Source: Times of Oman