SYDNEY (Reuters) – Australia has urged social media platforms to use “minimally invasive” AI-driven tools to enforce its world-first ban on users under 16, set to take effect in December 2025.
The ban, passed into law in November 2024, will make Australia the first country to block social media use for teens under 16 amid growing concerns over youth mental health.
🔍 AI & Behavioural Data Over Blanket Verification
The eSafety Commissioner, Julie Inman Grant, said platforms should avoid intrusive methods like re-verifying all users’ ages. Instead, they should use AI and behavioural data already available for ad targeting to identify underage users.
“They can target us with deadly precision when it comes to advertising — certainly they can do this around the age of a child,” Grant said.
She stressed adults should not see major disruptions in their accounts.
📲 Platforms in the Spotlight
The ban will apply to Meta’s Facebook and Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, and Google’s YouTube, which was added to the list in July after industry pushback.
Despite repeated concerns from tech giants, eSafety insists they have the resources to comply.
📉 Teen Usage Numbers
According to official data, 95% of teenagers aged 13–15 in Australia used at least one social media platform in 2024. Authorities fear the actual number is even higher.
🗣️ Government’s Stance
Federal Communications Minister Anika Wells compared platforms to “sharks” in the digital ocean, calling for strict enforcement:
“We cannot control the ocean, but we can police the sharks.”
She said companies must take reasonable steps to detect underage accounts, prevent re-registration, and ensure user complaints are addressed.
📅 Deadline Approaching
Social media platforms have until December 10, 2025 to deactivate underage accounts or risk penalties.
