TikTok announced it will comply with Australia’s upcoming ban on under-16s using social media starting December 10, warning users that the changes “may be upsetting” for young account holders.
Under the new world-first legislation, platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube must prevent children under 16 from creating accounts, with fines of up to Aus$49.5 million for non-compliance.
Existing accounts of under-16 users will be deactivated, and previously published content will no longer be visible. However, teens can appeal to verify their age using ID, credit cards, or facial recognition.
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TikTok said blocked users can confirm their age, download personal data, delete their accounts, or request reminders to reactivate accounts upon turning 16. Parents are urged to discuss age verification honestly with their children.
Communications Minister Anika Wells highlighted that some Australian teens had suffered serious mental health impacts as social media algorithms targeted content that lowered self-esteem, emphasizing that the law aims to protect vulnerable users.
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The new regulations have sparked global attention, with Malaysia planning similar restrictions for 2026 and New Zealand introducing a comparable under-16 social media ban. Legal challenges over free speech are currently underway in Australia.