Australia has enacted groundbreaking legislation prohibiting children under 16 from creating social media accounts, marking a world-first move in online safety regulations. Under the new law, platforms like TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, and X must implement robust age-verification measures by November 2025 or face fines of up to AU$50 million (£25 million).

The legislation, passed by the Senate and expected to be formally endorsed by the House of Representatives, imposes some of the strictest social media controls globally. Platforms have a year to devise compliance strategies before penalties come into effect.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s government plans to trial age-verification technology to ensure the law’s effectiveness. Critics, however, highlight challenges in balancing safety with accessibility. Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has defended its platforms’ minimum age of 13, advocating for tools that empower parents rather than excluding young users entirely.

The law has sparked international discussions, with UK politicians reportedly exploring similar measures. Science Secretary Peter Kyle recently urged Ofcom to take stronger action against harmful behaviour on social media, hinting that age restrictions could be part of broader safety strategies.