Snapchat begins age checks in Australia ahead of social media ban

Snapchat has begun asking teenage Australians to verify their ages, a company spokesperson said Monday, just weeks before Canberra enforces sweeping laws banning under-16s from social media.

From December 10, Australia will force social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, to remove users under the age of 16 or face hefty fines.

"Starting this week, many users will be asked to verify their age to continue accessing Snapchat," the company said.

Users will be able to do so using an Australian bank account, government-issued identification, or by taking a photo of their face which a third party will then use to provide an estimated age range.

From December 10, users under 16 will have their accounts locked.

Snapchat, like other social media platforms, has advised te