As Australia’s sweeping new age-restriction law for social media goes live on 10 December, reshaping how young people in the country can interact with platforms like TikTok, Instagram and YouTube.
The move, which has been described as the first of its kind globally, requires tech companies to prevent under-16s from opening or maintaining social media accounts or face substantial penalties.
The legislation sets a sharp new standard in the global debate around online safety, as major platforms preparing for the rollout, TikTok has confirmed how it plans to comply and what affected teens can expect once the law takes effect.
According to EWN, TikTok said it would block users under 16 years old the moment the law becomes active. The company explained that this means young people ‘will no longer be able to hold or create an account.’
Teens with existing profiles will see their accounts go inactive, with TikTok clarifying: ‘Teens with an existing account will be notified that they will no longer be able to use their existing account, which will become inactive.’
The platform added that any content previously posted by those users will no longer be visible to others.
Young people who find themselves locked out will have several options: verify their age, download their information, delete their account, or request a reminder to access their account once they turn 16.
‘We understand that these changes may be upsetting, but they are necessary to ensure that TikTok complies with Australian law,’ TikTok acknowledged.
For those wishing to prove they are over 16, TikTok said appeals may involve facial images, credit card authorisation or official identification, as per France 24.
The company also encouraged guardians to step in, as TikTok urged parents to ‘have conversations’ with their teens to ensure they are truthful about their age.
Meanwhile, Australian Minster for Communication, Anika Wells highlighted the risks that contributed to the law’s creation.
She noted that some Australian teenagers had died by suicide after harmful content cycles targeted them through ‘algorithms latched on’ and undermined their self-esteem.
‘This specific law will not fix every harm occurring on the internet, but it will make it easier for kids to chase a better version of themselves,’ Wells stated.
The law also places the responsibility firmly on tech companies, as failure to take appropriate measures to comply could cost them up to Aus$49.5 million.
Australia’s approach has drawn international attention as governments worldwide grapple with the balance between child protection and digital freedoms.
Officials in Malaysia have indicated plans to introduce a similar under-16 restriction next year, as noted by Reuters, and New Zealand is preparing to adopt comparable rules.
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