Australia’s prohibition on social media for children under 16 will take effect on Wednesday, Dec. 10. Platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, and YouTube have started deactivating accounts in order to adhere to this regulation. The Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Act requires platforms to prevent Australians younger than 16 from maintaining accounts. This is applicable if the primary function of a platform involves social interactions, permits user interaction, and allows users to publish content.

“Postponing children’s access to social media gives them the opportunity to develop and mature without detrimental design elements,” stated Julie Inman Grant, Australia’s eSafety Commissioner. “Restricting social media by age is a method for ensuring online safety. Platforms should develop experiences suitable for their age through safety by design.”

Failure to comply could lead to penalties of up to $AU49.5 million ($US33 million). The legislation focuses on technology firms, rather than the children or guardians who attempt to circumvent restrictions. Reports indicate that parents are aiding children in evading the prohibition using their own accounts, with a survey showing nearly a third would help their child to navigate around YouTube’s limitations.

Regardless of the law, platforms must ensure that users under 16 cannot access accounts. Here’s how they have reacted:

**Facebook, Instagram, and Threads**
Meta has begun limiting access to Facebook, Instagram, and Threads for Australians under 16, preventing the creation of new accounts. Messenger continues to be accessible without a Facebook account. Users affected can save their content prior to the enforcement and update contact information for reinstatement when they reach 16. Age verification can be accomplished through Yoti, a government-issued ID, or a video selfie. Meta opposes the ban, recommending that app stores require parental consent for users under 16 to download applications.

**TikTok**
TikTok will disable accounts of Australians between the ages of 13 and 15, as it already restricts access for users below 13. Content from these accounts will become hidden. Users can retrieve their information and confirm that they are 16 or older, deactivate, or remove their accounts. Age verification utilizes credit card authorization, government ID, and Yoti.

**Snapchat**
Snapchat has contested the age restriction but must adhere to the ban. Accounts belonging to Australians under 16 will be locked for three years unless age is confirmed via k-ID or a bank account link. After three years, those accounts will be deactivated. Users can still download their data while their accounts are locked. Snapchat warns that isolating teenagers may lead them to utilize less secure applications.

**YouTube**
YouTube will log out users under 16, making channels unavailable. YouTube Kids remains unaffected. Users can export their data through Google Takeout. Google will retain data until users reach 16 and will restore accounts. The restriction affects content uploading and functionalities such as likes and subscriptions. Google criticizes the legislation for eliminating parental controls and safety measures.

**Twitch**
Twitch was initially not included but is now subject to the ban. It may require age verification for users in Australia. Streaming can be viewed without signing in, but features like chat require an account.

**Reddit**
Reddit intends to contest the ban legally but will require age verification for Australian users. Accounts of users under 16 will be suspended with an option to appeal. Reddit will impose global limits on users under 18, including stricter chat settings and a prohibition on accessing mature content. Reddit denounces the law for compromising free expression and privacy.

**X**
X requires users to be at least 13 and enforces restrictions on users aged 13-18. Age is determined by self-reported information alongside third-party verification. X has not provided specific guidance regarding the ban.

**Kick**
Kick necessitates that Australian users verify their age via k-ID. Accounts for users under 16 will be disabled, with options for appeals available. Kick underscores its responsibility to ensure user safety.

**Platforms still accessible to Australians under 16**
Messenger, WhatsApp, Discord, Roblox, LEGO Play, Steam, GitHub, Google Classroom, Pinterest, and YouTube Kids remain unrestricted by age limits.