Australia's world-first social media ban for children under 16 has officially come into effect, but full implementation faces delays as tech platforms scramble to develop age-verification systems. The law requires platforms to deactivate accounts of users under 16 and prevent new sign-ups, with fines of up to $50 million for non-compliance.
While the ban is now in effect, many platforms have yet to roll out the necessary functionality to identify and remove underage users. This has led to confusion among families, with some children losing access to accounts while others remain unaffected. The government has acknowledged the phased rollout, stating that platforms will be given time to comply fully.
Under the new rules, social media companies must take 'reasonable steps' to prevent under-16s from holding accounts. This includes using age-estimation technology or government ID verification. Critics argue that the rushed timeline has left platforms unprepared, risking wrongful bans and privacy concerns.
Parents and teens have reported mixed experiences, with some accounts being suspended without warning. The eSafety Commissioner has set up a complaints process for those wrongly affected. The ban covers major platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat, but excludes messaging services and gaming platforms.
