Earlier this week, on Monday, November 10, 2025, Australia rolled out a world-first law banning teens under 16 from using social media without parental consent. Over a million accounts on TikTok, Snapchat, Facebook, Instagram and Threads are now facing the chop unless their young owners choose to download their data, freeze profiles, or say goodbye forever. 🚫📱
Here's the lowdown: platforms will deactivate under-16 accounts and ping users with three options – grab your data, pause your profile or risk losing it all. The rest of Australia's 20 million social media fans – about four-fifths of the population – should barely notice the changes, according to insiders. 🙌
After a year of protest and warnings of long log-ins, invasive checks and user drop-offs, tech giants seem ready to keep things chill. Instead of asking for birthdates at every click, they'll lean on software that estimates age from likes and activity. If someone thinks they've been misjudged – say a 17-year-old accidentally blocked – they can appeal through new age assurance apps, though these tools are still finding their feet.
Australia's move sets a global milestone in youth online protection – but it's not without risks. Initial tests show error rates that could accidentally lock out 16-17-year-olds or let in 15-year-olds, potentially triggering fines of up to A$32 million. 📉 Fingers crossed the kinks get ironed out smoothly.
Whether you're a student worried about your feed, a parent keeping an eye on screen time, or just curious about digital rights, this is your cue to stay informed and adapt to the new online rules. After all, the digital world is constantly evolving – and today, Australia just pushed the play button on a fresh chapter in online safety. 🌐✨
Reference(s):
Tech companies start to comply with Australia's teen social media ban
cgtn.com
