As Meta recently introduced new accounts aimed at teenagers, Australia is on the brink of becoming a global trailblazer.

Last year’s announcement is coming to fruition as a law is set to soon prohibit social media access to users under the age of 16. This ambitious legislation, passed by Parliament, has been welcomed by some parents, though it has also sparked significant concerns.

Compliance with Australian Law by Meta, TikTok, and Snapchat

Starting December 10, Meta, TikTok, and Snapchat are required to delete the accounts of Australian users under 16 years old. Companies failing to comply could face fines up to 49.5 million Australian dollars, approximately 32.5 million US dollars.

Despite their hesitations, digital giants have confirmed their adherence to the new law. According to a Reuters dispatch, Ella Woods-Joyce, TikTok’s public policy manager in Australia, stated, “TikTok will respect the law and fulfill its legal obligations.“

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Meta echoes this sentiment, with public policy director Mia Garlick acknowledging that the company is working to identify and remove hundreds of thousands of affected accounts by the deadline.

However, behind this apparent compliance lies significant technical challenges. Specifically, platforms highlight the complex issue of identifying underage users without resorting to systematic age verification, which is seen as too invasive and a breach of personal data protection.

A “Vague” Regulation with Difficult Implementation…

While the Australian government asserts its intention to shield youth from digital harms, several experts and companies criticize the measure as being “harsh” and “poorly thought out.” The platforms believe the law was rushed, lacking thorough consideration for its practical implementation.

TikTok, in particular, fears that this ban might drive teenagers toward less regulated online spaces: “This approach could lead them to corners of the internet where protections are nonexistent,” warned Ella Woods-Joyce.

YouTube, also affected, views the law as well-intentioned but “poorly designed,” arguing that it fails to meet its goal of ensuring online safety for minors in Australia.

A Global First Under Close Observation

Although Florida recently banned social media use for those under 14, Australia’s law marks the first time a country has enacted such a stringent restriction on social media access. It remains to be seen whether other nations will follow suit.

Already, other countries, including France with a project targeting TikTok, are closely monitoring this initiative, which generates as much hope as it does skepticism.