Australia’s recent legislation banning children under 16 from social media platforms like TikTok, Meta’s Instagram and Facebook, X, and Reddit has ignited a global conversation. This bold move, enacted on December 10th via the Online Safety Amendment Act, is prompting governments worldwide to consider similar measures, with the United Kingdom emerging as a frontrunner.
The law mandates that social media companies implement robust age verification systems to prevent minors from creating accounts. Non-compliance carries a hefty penalty, with fines reaching up to AUD $49.5 million (approximately $32 million USD).
While the effectiveness and reception of the ban have garnered mixed reactions from teenagers, tech firms, and experts, the legislative momentum is undeniable. Daisy Greenwell, co-founder of the U.K.-based advocacy group Smartphone Free Childhood, notes the increasing global pressure on governments to address the pervasive influence of social media on young minds. “This is a global issue, and governments everywhere are under pressure to respond,” Greenwell stated. “We’re already seeing countries move in this direction, and as confidence builds and evidence accumulates, more will follow. No one thinks the status quo is working for children, parents, or society – and this is one of the clearest policy responses currently on the table.”
Beyond Australia, several European nations are actively exploring similar restrictions. The U.K. is poised to vote on amendments to its Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, which could include a social media ban for under-16s. Greenwell’s organization has been actively lobbying, with over 100,000 emails sent to U.K. lawmakers urging the establishment of “reasonable, age-appropriate boundaries that protect children’s wellbeing.” U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has publicly supported the initiative, stating, “we need to better protect children from social media” and that he is examining Australia’s model. U.K. Health Secretary Wes Streeting has also engaged with social psychologist Jonathan Haidt, author of “The Anxious Generation,” to inform policy discussions.
France is also a significant player in this evolving landscape, with two proposed bills, one endorsed by President Emmanuel Macron, aiming to restrict social media access for those under 15. France’s public health watchdog, ANSES, has highlighted the “numerous” and well-documented negative impacts of social media on adolescents.
In the United States, a federal ban is considered less likely, though state-level initiatives are gaining traction. Ravi Iyer, a managing director at the University of Southern California Marshall School’s Neely Center, believes that state-level policies are more probable, with California and Texas lawmakers reportedly considering bans in 2026. Iyer, who has collaborated with Haidt, notes that while predicting federal policy is challenging, the issue has bipartisan appeal, making it a possibility.
The implementation of such bans, however, is not without its challenges. Tech giants are beginning to push back. Following Australia’s lead, Reddit launched a legal challenge, arguing that the law infringes upon political discourse. Meta has urged reconsideration of the ban, while X stated that compliance is a mandate of Australian law.
From a technological and business perspective, these legislative movements signal a critical juncture for social media platforms. The core business models of these companies rely heavily on user engagement, particularly among younger demographics who are often early adopters and influential trendsetters. A widespread ban, or even significant restrictions, could directly impact user acquisition, advertising revenue, and the overall network effects that sustain these platforms.
The introduction of mandatory age verification technologies also presents a complex technical and operational hurdle. Companies must invest in and refine methods that are both effective in screening out minors and compliant with privacy regulations. The potential for sophisticated workarounds by determined users, coupled with the ethical considerations of data collection for age verification, adds layers of complexity.
Furthermore, the economic implications extend beyond the platforms themselves. The digital advertising ecosystem, which heavily relies on targeted advertising based on user data, could see significant shifts. If a substantial segment of the younger population is removed from the user base, advertisers may need to re-evaluate their strategies and budgets.
The growing global consensus around protecting children online, however, suggests that platforms may need to adapt their strategies beyond mere compliance. This could involve developing “age-appropriate” versions of their services, investing more in content moderation and safety features specifically designed for younger users, or exploring alternative revenue streams that are less dependent on mass data collection. The long-term viability of social media giants may hinge on their ability to navigate these evolving regulatory and societal expectations, demonstrating a genuine commitment to user well-being alongside their business objectives.
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