Australia's teen social media ban fails age checks

Australia's new social media law, enacted in December, which aims to bar individuals under 16 from using platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, and YouTube, is encountering significant implementation issues. A recent study by a team that advised the government found that major platforms are failing to conduct even basic age checks. None of the 50 test accounts, declared as 16-year-olds, were asked to verify their age after the law came into effect. This initial vetting stage, designed to identify users for further checks, appears to be largely ineffective, allowing many under-16s to bypass the restrictions.

Of the platforms subjected to the age restrictions, only Australia-based Kick reportedly mandated age proof for new account creation. Tech giants like Meta, Google, and X have suggested that their verification processes align with regulator guidance, escalating checks only when behavioural indicators suggest a user might be underage or when an account is reported. However, critics argue that this approach is insufficient and that the platforms are setting the ban up to fail. Australia has doubled fines and warned of legal action against non-compliant companies, as studies suggest most under-16s remain able to access these platforms.