Squiz Today Squiz Shortcuts: The Social Media Ban for U16s - Part 2: How will it work?
Dec 4, 2025
Australia is set to enforce a social media ban for kids under 16 starting December 10. The hosts discuss enforcement roles and significant fines for breaches. They explore the potential pitfalls, including the risk of pushing children to unregulated platforms. With tech giants left to verify ages, privacy issues arise. The ban might lead teens to encrypted apps and niche communities, highlighting the challenges of implementation. This controversial legislation could reshape online spaces for young users.
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World-First U16 Social Media Ban
- Australia will legally ban under-16s from major social media platforms from 10 December, creating a world-first experiment.
- The law includes hefty fines for platforms that fail to comply and gives eSafety policing powers.
eSafety Controls Inclusion And Enforcement
- eSafety will decide which platforms are included or exempt and will monitor compliance under the Online Safety Act.
- Inclusion decisions have shifted, notably pulling YouTube into the ban after initial exemption.
Ban May Push Kids To Unregulated Spaces
- Critics warn banning mainstream apps will push kids into less regulated corners of the internet.
- That displacement could reduce accountability since new platforms may lack clear corporate oversight.
