CANBERRA: Australia will enforce a sweeping ban on social media users under the age of 16 starting December 10, requiring platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat to remove underage accounts or face substantial fines. The law is among the strictest globally, aiming to protect children from online risks.
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Snapchat has already begun asking teenage users in Australia to verify their age. Users can confirm their age using an Australian bank account, government-issued ID, or a facial scan analyzed by a third party to estimate age. Accounts of users found to be under 16 will be locked from December 10.
Snapchat has just unveiled new age verification measures, to keep under 16s off the platform, just before the upcoming social media ban comes into effect. @ollie_haig #9News pic.twitter.com/Yk757naM2e
— 9News Melbourne (@9NewsMelb) November 24, 2025
The messaging app warned that disconnecting teens from social media may not ensure their safety, as it could push them toward less secure platforms. Snapchat advised young users to download their data ahead of the ban, as access may be restricted afterward. The company emphasized it disagrees with the ban but will comply with local laws.
Snapchat has confirmed it will comply with Australia’s upcoming social media ban, and from this week users must verify their age using bank details, photo ID or facial recognition.
The company promises it will not store facial scans, financial data or any other personal… pic.twitter.com/QvvDJWMjOv
— Australians vs. The Agenda (@ausvstheagenda) November 24, 2025
Authorities in Australia have currently listed 10 platforms under the ban, including Discord, WhatsApp, Lego Play, and Pinterest, which have avoided restrictions for now. Regulators have retained the right to expand the list as needed. The law follows global trends, with New Zealand preparing a similar bill and the Dutch government advising parents to restrict social media use for children under 15.
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Experts have raised concerns about the practical challenges of enforcing age verification online, noting that minors could bypass restrictions, making the law potentially symbolic. Nevertheless, the Australian government maintains that the ban is a significant step toward improving digital safety for children and regulating social media’s influence on minors.