TikTok Ban on Australia: A Groundbreaking Step in Social Media Regulations Under-16s
Australia is shaking up the social media world with a game-changing law. On 2025, teens under 16 will have to say goodbye to their TikTok, Instagram, X, Reddit, Snapchat and Facebook. It’s a big deal that’s got everyone talking! On November 29, 2024, the Australian government made history. They passed a new law with a long name: the Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Bill 2024. It’s the first of its kind anywhere in the world.
So, what’s the big idea? The government wants to keep young Aussies safe online. They’re worried about cyberbullying, online predators, and other digital dangers. Their solution? Keep kids under 16 off social media altogether.
Here’s how Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Bill 2024 work:
- Social media companies will have to play detective. They’ll need to use clever ways to check if users are really 16 or older.
- No more faking your age to get an account. These companies will need to use strong age-checking methods.
- Kids under 16 won’t be able to create new accounts or keep their old ones.
But don’t panic just yet,.This change isn’t happening overnight. The social media giants have at least a year to figure things out. The exact “D-Day” for the ban will be announced later.
Not everyone’s thrilled about this new rule. Some people are cheering, saying it’s about time we protected kids online. Others are worried it might go too far, cutting off young people from the digital world. As Australia gears up for this big change, the whole world is watching closely. Will other countries follow suit? Could this be the start of a global trend? Only time will tell, but one thing’s for sure – the way young people use social media is about to change in a big way Down Under!
Australia’s Online Safety Act Gets a Major Upgrade: What You Need to Know
The Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Bill 2024 will revolutionize Australia’s digital landscape. This groundbreaking legislation amends the Online Safety Act 2021 (Cth). It introduces changes that will reshape how social media platforms operate in Australia.
- Age Restrictions Take Center Stage. Social media platforms need to enforce at least age of 16 for account creation and ownership. These platforms will be officially classified as ‘age-restricted social media platforms’.
- Proactive Prevention Measures Age. Restricted platforms must implement ‘reasonable steps’ using age assurance processes and technology. This is to stop underage users from creating or maintaining accounts.
- Privacy Protections Strengthened. The bill introduces more privacy obligations. It is about the use, disclosure, and destruction of personal information collected during age verification processes.
eSafety Commissioner’s Powers Expanded. This regulatory body can now make new rules and has better tools to enforce the new laws. - Tougher Penalties for Non-Compliance. A new penalty regime will be introduced for violations of the new obligations. Together, with significantly increased fines for breaches of industry codes and standards.
Why Does the Australian Government Want to Ban TikTok?
The Australian government is banning TikTok and other social media for kids under 16 to protect them from harm. They want to keep children safe during important growth years.
1. Protecting Vulnerable Youth
The government’s explanatory memorandum highlights several risks children face on social media:
- Exposure to harmful products or content
- Harassment, including from online predators
- Disruptions to sleep patterns and increased stress levels
- Addictive features and persistent notifications affecting attention spans
These concerns are not unfounded. Dr. Ferdi Botha and his colleagues conducted the Household Income and Labor Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) study. Their annual survey has over 17,000 Australians. Dr. Ferdi Botha revealed a staggering 120% increase in psychological distress rates among 15 to 24 years old between 2011 and 2021. Dr. Botha says that the rise in mental distress aligns with the rise in smartphones and iPhones.
2. Shifting Responsibility to Social Media Platforms
The new law requires social media platforms to take responsibility for stopping kids from making accounts where harm could happen. By setting the minimum age at 16, the government aims to:
- Remove ambiguity about the appropriate age for social media engagement
- Establish a new social norm around teen social media use
- Mitigate negative effects on adolescent health and well-being, including life satisfaction
- Creating a New Digital Landscape
Some social media platforms already exclude children under 13 in their terms of service. However, the Australian government believes this isn’t enough. By setting the age limit to 16, they aim to make the internet safer for teenagers while they’re growing up.
Consequences for Non-Compliance: Hefty Fines and Public Scrutiny
Social media giants face staggering fines for non-compliance:
- Individual offenders: Up to 30,000 penalty units (equivalent to AUD 9.9 million)
- Corporate bodies: A whopping 150,000 penalty units (equivalent to AUD 49.5 million)
These aren’t just arbitrary numbers. The government has strategically aligned these penalties with other major regulatory frameworks:
- Australian Consumer Law under the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cth)
- Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) for serious and repeated privacy breaches
This move puts Australia on par with online safety penalties in Ireland, the European Union, and the UK. It signals a global shift towards stricter digital regulations.
TikTok Faces Widespread Bans Across Europe
French President Emmanuel Macron has been vocal, calling TikTok “deceptively innocent”. In 2022, he accused TikTok of censoring content and promoting online addiction among young people
Several European nations swiftly followed with their own restrictions:
- Austria. In May 2023, banned TikTok on federal employees’ work devices based on intelligence service advice.
- Belgium. Implemented a ban in March 2023 on all federal government work devices.
- Denmark. The Ministry of Defence prohibited TikTok on work devices in March 2023.
- Estonia. Announced a ban on state-issued smartphones for officials in March 2023.
- France. Took a broader approach in March 2023. France banned all “recreational applications” including TikTok, Twitter, Instagram, and even Netflix. These platforms are prohibited on government employees’ phones.
- The Netherlands. Initially advised suspension in November 2022. Then, ordered deletion from work phones in March 2023.
- Norway. Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre banned TikTok on devices used by ministers and political advisors in March 2023.
Some countries adopted distinctive strategies:
- Czechia. The National Cyber and Information Security Agency issued a warning against TikTok in March 2023.
- Malta. Blocked TikTok on government devices unless users have a specific internet package.
- Romania. In a forward-looking move, it called for TikTok’s suspension in November 2024 due to alleged election interference.

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