Australia’s new age restriction law for social media is pushing major tech firms to finally comply after months of resistance.
Tech giants like TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, and YouTube have begun preparing to restrict or deactivate accounts of users under 16 years of age as Australia becomes the first country to implement a national teen social media ban. Effective December 10, 2025, the law aims to protect minors from online risks and safeguard mental health.
After initially opposing the legislation, major companies are now adapting by using AI-based age verification systems instead of requiring official ID checks. Industry experts note that while this is a global first in social media regulation, it also raises challenges about privacy, accuracy, and enforcement.
