Australia Enforces 16-Year Social Media Age Limit with Heavy Fines

Australia is set to enforce a minimum age limit of 16 for social media users starting December 10, with non-compliance potentially resulting in fines of up to 50 million Australian dollars, approximately 33 million U.S. dollars.

Social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube will be required to report monthly on the number of accounts closed belonging to children younger than 16. Communications Minister Anika Wells emphasized that while age verification may take time, systemic breaches of the law will incur penalties.

Google has announced that users under 16 will be signed out of YouTube and lose access to certain features, while Meta has stated that suspected underage users will be removed from its platforms. The Digital Freedom Project is seeking legal action against the new law, arguing that it could infringe on rights.

This regulation aligns with global trends, as countries like Malaysia and several European nations are considering similar age restrictions for social media use.