A new Australian law that bars children under 16 from having social media accounts on platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, takes effect on December 10. In the weeks leading up to the deadline, tech giants such as Meta began locking out hundreds of thousands of under-16 users from their accounts on its platforms.

The social media ban stems from the Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Bill, 2024, that was passed by the Australian Parliament exactly a year ago. Rather than placing the burden on children or their parents, the law shifts compliance to social media companies who initially campaigned against the ban but have since said they will adhere to it. It also carries a fine of up to A$49.5 million ($33 million) for companies that do not comply with the ban.

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