Australia enforces world’s first nationwide social media ban for children under 16

From December 10, 2025, Australia has become the first country to legally block children under 16 from accessing major social media platforms, triggering global debate on online safety, surveillance and youth rights.

Australia has taken a historic step in digital regulation by becoming the first country in the world to legally prohibit social media access for children under 16. The ban came into force at midnight on Wednesday (December 10, 2025), immediately blocking youngsters from using major platforms such as TikTok, Alphabet’s YouTube, and Meta-owned Instagram and Facebook.

Under the newly enforced law, ten of the world’s largest social media platforms are required to restrict access to underage users or face fines of up to A$49.5 million (US$33 million). The government has stated that the move responds to long-standing concerns over online harm, mental health issues, and inadequate safety measures from tech companies.

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Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described it as “a proud day” for Australian families, adding that the law proves policymakers can intervene meaningfully in a digital ecosystem where risks have grown faster than protections. The ban follows a year-long debate on whether it is realistically possible to prevent children from using platforms that are deeply integrated into modern life.

For the global tech industry, the change marks a significant shift. While platforms have maintained that they earn little through advertising to under-16 users, they also caution that the ban disrupts the long-term user pipeline that sustains their growth models. Some digital rights and free speech groups have criticised the move as overly restrictive.

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Government data shows that before the ban, nearly 86% of Australians aged eight to 15 were active on social media. As enforcement began, some young people expressed fears that the new restrictions could lead to social isolation or disconnect them from peer networks.

The rollout also serves as an international test case. Countries around the world, frustrated with slow harm-reduction measures from social media giants, are closely watching whether Australia’s strict enforcement can be replicated elsewhere.

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