The Federal Government has issued what it describes as world-leading rules for social media companies, directing platforms to block children under 16 from having accounts or face penalties of up to $49.5 million.

From December 10, TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube must put in place systems that actively detect and remove underage users, prevent them from re-registering, and provide clear avenues of appeal for those wrongly flagged.

Communications Minister Anika Wells and eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant will this week hand platforms detailed guidance on what will count as “reasonable steps” to comply.

Companies are barred from relying on self-declaration and must adopt a multi-layered ‘waterfall’ approach.

That means they will have to apply age checks at several points of the user journey to catch mistakes.

The platforms are expected to remove existing under-16 accounts with care, provide transparent explanations, and offer a review process for affected users.

Platforms cannot simply funnel underage users to children’s apps, such as Messenger Kids, without explicit consent.

The measures follow the federal government’s Age Assurance Technology Trial, which found platforms already had the necessary tools to comply.

Wells said the crackdown was about backing families and ensuring platforms took responsibility.

Parents can breath easier from December 10

The social media companies, led by Meta, have argued for device-level checks through app stores, claiming it is technically challenging to distinguish a 15-year-old from a 16-year-old.

But Canberra has made clear that continuous monitoring and improved reporting mechanisms are now expected.

Australia’s reforms, passed with bipartisan support in 2024, have attracted global attention.

EU President Ursula von der Leyen has already signalled interest in a similar ban.

In France, a parliamentary inquiry recommended banning under-15s from social media and a night-time digital curfew for those aged 15-18.

With the December deadline looming, the government has told platforms the onus is firmly on them to devise effective, private and fair solutions.

“Parents, kids – indeed the entire Australian community – are relying on [the platforms] to keep young Australians safer online,” Wells said.

“This industry guidance makes clear our strong expectations that social media platforms step up to the plate to implement the minimum age in a way that is effective, private, and fair on Australian users.”