International Affairs
Recently, Australia announced that its under-16 social media ban will come into effect in December 2025, making it the first country to introduce such a measure. The legislation, passed by the federal parliament in December 2024, requires platforms to detect and deactivate accounts of underage children.
While companies will not be mandated to test the age of every user or adopt a specific government-prescribed technology, they must demonstrate transparent enforcement mechanisms, provide clear information to users, and establish a process for disputes.
Failure to take “reasonable steps” could result in penalties of up to 49.5 million Australian dollars (approximately USD 33 million), highlighting the seriousness of the policy. The move is aimed at safeguarding children’s mental health and reducing harmful online exposure.
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