Australian Government Enforces Social Media Ban for Children Under 16, Impacting Tech Companies
Australia has implemented a groundbreaking social media ban for children under the age of 16, marking a significant move in regulating tech companies' influence over young users. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced the law, which took effect on December 10, 2025, as a measure to give families more control over their children's online presence. The ban requires platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok to remove accounts of users under 16, with potential fines of up to 49.5 million Australian dollars for non-compliance. The eSafety Commissioner, Julie Inman Grant, is tasked with enforcing the ban and will report on its effectiveness by Christmas. Despite the challenges in implementation, including children circumventing age verification, the government is committed to ensuring compliance. The law has sparked discussions on privacy and the role of social media in children's lives. 
