What's happened
Australia's new law requires platforms like Snapchat and Meta to block under-16 accounts. Since December, 4.7 million accounts have been disabled, but experts warn age verification tech has significant gaps, risking underage access and evasion through unregulated apps.
What's behind the headline?
The enforcement of Australia's age restriction law highlights the difficulty of relying on facial age estimation technology, which is only accurate within two to three years. Snapchat and Meta advocate for app store-level age verification, which would create a more consistent barrier. However, the law's gaps could allow teenagers to bypass protections by switching to less regulated apps. This approach risks pushing minors into unregulated digital spaces, undermining the law's intent. The international attention, including the UK and France considering similar legislation, indicates a global shift towards stricter online age controls. Yet, the technical and enforcement challenges suggest that without more robust verification systems, these laws may only partially succeed in safeguarding minors.
What the papers say
The Independent reports that Snapchat has disabled over 415,000 Australian accounts since the law's implementation, citing limitations in facial age estimation technology. France 24 emphasizes the call for app store age checks as an additional safeguard, noting the law's significant gaps. The Guardian highlights concerns about the technology's accuracy and the potential for minors to evade restrictions by using alternative messaging apps. All sources agree that enforcement remains a work in progress, with regulators focusing on larger platforms and advocating for systemic improvements in age verification methods.
How we got here
Australia introduced the Social Media Minimum Age law in December 2025, requiring platforms to prevent under-16s from holding accounts. The law aims to protect minors from online risks, with regulators focusing initially on the largest platforms. Companies face hefty fines for non-compliance, but enforcement and verification methods remain challenging due to technological limitations.
Go deeper
Common question
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How are countries regulating social media for minors?
As concerns about children's safety online grow, many countries are implementing new laws to regulate social media use among minors. From age bans to improved verification tech, these measures aim to protect young users while balancing privacy and accessibility. But how effective are these regulations, and what challenges do they face? Below, we explore the latest developments and answer common questions about how nations are tackling social media regulation for minors.
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