Australian authorities introduce an age ban on access to social networks for users under the age of 16

Since December 2025, a new law will come into force in Australia that restricts access to social networks for children and adolescents under the age of 16. The decision comes amid growing concerns about the impact of digital platforms on the psychoemotional and social development of minors.

According to the approved initiative, Internet companies that own social platforms will be required to implement mechanisms to reliably check the age of users. We are talking about such popular services as TikTok, Snapchat, Reddit and others. If the new requirements are violated, companies face fines of up to $ 50 million.

It is expected that the platforms will start using verification methods, including document verification, the use of biometric data and facial recognition algorithms. These measures will be considered as "reasonable actions" to implement the law aimed at ensuring the digital safety of children.

The initiative was supported at the level of state institutions responsible for digital security and personal data protection. It is emphasized that social networks have a significant impact on the formation of personality, and the need to regulate access to them during critical periods of growing up is a priority of state policy.

Similar initiatives are being considered in other countries at the same time as Australia. In particular, in June, the French president made a proposal to restrict access to social networks for people under the age of 15, emphasizing the need for mandatory age verification on digital platforms.

A new Australian law could set a precedent for revising age standards for accessing online content globally, especially given the transnational nature of social media and growing pressure from international child rights organizations.