Australia will bar users under 16 from holding social media accounts from December this year, with platforms facing penalties if they fail to comply. The E-safety commission has released guidance and a self-assessment tool to help companies determine if they fall under the law.
Services used mainly for education, health, professional networking, or online gaming may be exempt. Major platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok are expected to be covered.
Regulator issues guidance and self-assessment tool
Companies are urged to begin internal reviews now. The guidance allows platforms to use existing account data, such as creation dates, to flag likely underage users.
Each service must design its own age-assurance system and document processes. The Commission stresses layered checks rather than a single method.
It also cautions against storing individual age-verification data, balancing safety with privacy.
Platforms must verify age and block circumvention
Under the law, platforms must identify and remove accounts held by users under 16 and notify affected users.
They must prevent re-registration by underage users, including detecting VPN use or other workarounds. Appeals must be available for users over 16 who are removed in error.
There is no mandated technology, so approaches will vary, but officials say outcomes will be closely monitored. Communications Minister Anika Wells warned there is “no excuse for non-compliance.”
Limited viewing remains; caregivers urged to engage
Users under 16 will still be able to view public content without logging in, and shared family devices may complicate enforcement.
The framework therefore emphasizes the role of caregivers in guiding online habits and spotting risks.
The E-safety commission will release more resources for families in the coming weeks, as platforms roll out new checks and prepare for enforcement on the December deadline.
Read more: Trump strikes deal to keep TikTok in the US
