Will Social Media Platforms Really Deactivate Accounts of Under-16s Under Australia's New Ban?
Synopsis
Australia is taking groundbreaking steps to protect children online with a new ban targeting underage social media accounts. As the deadline approaches in December, social media companies are preparing to implement detection and deactivation protocols. Discover how this legislation aims to create a safer online environment for minors.
Key Takeaways
Mandatory deactivation of accounts held by users under 16.
Implementation of new regulations begins on December 10 .
Companies face severe fines for non-compliance.
Focus on preventive measures to stop new account creation by banned users.
Transparency in enforcement and dispute resolution is required.
Canberra, Sep 16 (NationPress) Social media platforms will be mandated to identify and deactivate accounts belonging to individuals under the age of 16 when Australia’s unprecedented ban takes effect in December, as announced by the government on Tuesday.
The federal government released regulatory guidance on Tuesday to assist technology companies in adhering to the under-16 social media prohibition before its implementation on December 10.
This guidance indicates that social media platforms should primarily concentrate on identifying and deactivating existing accounts operated by users younger than 16, and on taking reasonable measures to deter those whose accounts have been removed from quickly establishing new accounts.
While platforms will not be required to verify the age of every user, they will not receive directives from the government regarding the specific technology to employ for age verification. However, they must offer clear and accessible information about how they are enforcing the ban, along with a process for handling disputes.
According to the legislation that instituted the ban, which was passed by the federal parliament in December 2024, companies failing to implement reasonable steps to uphold the ban could incur fines up to 49.5 million Australian dollars (approximately $33 million).
During the press conference where the guidelines were released, Communications Minister Anika Wells and Julie Inman Grant, Australia’s eSafety Commissioner, acknowledged that they do not expect the ban to be fully operational immediately.
"We are not expecting perfection in this matter; these are pioneering laws, but we are demanding substantial changes through reasonable steps that will aim for cultural transformation and a significant impact to protect children," Wells stated.
Grant remarked that the government understands that developing the necessary systems and technologies will require time, and her agency will initially target systemic failures by platforms in applying the mandated policies and processes, according to Xinhua news agency.
In August, the government released findings from a trial that demonstrated the effectiveness of age assurance technologies in enforcing age-related eligibility criteria.
Point of View
I firmly believe that this proactive measure by the Australian government reflects a significant commitment to safeguarding our youth in the digital space. It is essential to balance innovation with responsibility, ensuring that children are protected while still enjoying the benefits of technology.
NationPress
21 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the age limit for social media accounts under the new Australian law?
The new legislation mandates that social media accounts held by individuals under the age of 16 must be detected and deactivated.
When does the under-16 social media ban come into effect?
The ban is set to take effect on December 10.
What penalties do companies face for non-compliance?
Companies that fail to enforce the ban could face fines up to 49.5 million Australian dollars.
Will platforms be required to verify the age of all users?
No, platforms will not have to verify the age of every user but must take reasonable steps to enforce the ban.
What is the purpose of this legislation?
The legislation aims to protect children from online risks and promote a safer digital environment.
