Australia has implemented the world’s first nationwide ban on social media access for children under 16, with major platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, X, YouTube, Snapchat, Reddit, Kick, Twitch, and Threads required to deactivate or block accounts belonging to users below that age starting Wednesday.
Non-compliance carries fines of up to A$49.5 million per breach.
The law, which passed with bipartisan support last month, aims to protect young people from algorithmic harm and excessive screen time.
Most covered platforms confirmed compliance ahead of the deadline, employing facial age-estimation technology, ID checks, or behavioral inference to identify underage users.
X had not publicly detailed its approach by Tuesday, though the eSafety commissioner said recent discussions had taken place.
Reports emerged of underage users passing facial scans as adults, while others prepared workarounds including VPNs.
The government acknowledged the system would not be perfect on day one but vowed ongoing enforcement and public reporting on deactivated accounts.
Parents expressed sharply contrasting opinions, with some welcoming the “support framework” to curb addiction and others worried about social exclusion or being forced to teach children how to circumvent restrictions.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese defended the measure by comparing it to the legal drinking age, stating the national standard remained valuable even if occasionally bypassed.
Public polling shows roughly two-thirds of Australians support the policy.
Several countries, including Malaysia, Denmark, Norway, and members of the European Union, have signalled interest in similar laws, while the British government is monitoring the rollout.
An independent academic review will track both benefits — such as improved sleep and outdoor activity — and unintended consequences like migration to unregulated platforms.
The eSafety commissioner has begun contacting additional apps experiencing sudden growth among teens to determine if they fall under the ban.