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Australia Bans Underage Accounts on Instagram, TikTok

12/21/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Australia began its ban on December 10, 2025, marked by the Sydney Harbour Bridge lighting and the slogan "Let Them Be Kids".
The law prohibits underage accounts on Instagram and TikTok and imposes penalties for non-compliance.
The government says the ban will improve children's health and happiness and address grooming and cyberbullying.

History

Historical Context

The UK's Digital Economy Act, enacted in 2015, aimed to protect children online by enforcing age verification for adult content, responding to reports that 90% of children accessed inappropriate material. Similarly, Australia's Online Safety Amendment, passed in November 2024, prohibits social media accounts for users under 16, reflecting a global trend toward stricter regulations for child safety in digital environments.

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Story summary

Australia began its ban on December 10, 2025, marked by the Sydney Harbour Bridge lighting and the slogan "Let Them Be Kids".
The law prohibits underage accounts on Instagram and TikTok and imposes penalties for non-compliance.
The government says the ban will improve children's health and happiness and address grooming and cyberbullying.

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