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Under-16s Face Wider Social Media Ban
28 Nov
Summary
- Social media ban for under-16s extends beyond 10 specific apps.
- Lesser-known apps like Yope and Lemon8 surged in downloads.
- All services must block users under 16 to comply with new laws.

Underage individuals in Australia are facing unexpected challenges in finding new online spaces as the government's social media ban for those under 16 is confirmed to extend beyond the initially listed applications. This expansion means that popular platforms like Snapchat and TikTok are not the only services affected.
In anticipation of the ban, numerous lesser-known social apps, including Yope and Lemon8, have seen a significant increase in downloads. Young influencers have been actively directing their followers to these alternative platforms during their final weeks on restricted services. However, these migrations may prove temporary.
The eSafety commissioner has clarified that the ban applies to any app meeting specific criteria, regardless of its popularity or obscurity. All online services are legally obligated to comply by blocking users under 16, ensuring the law's wide-reaching impact.




