Meta, Snap, and TikTok Agree to Enforce Australia’s Social Media Ban
Meta, Snap, and TikTok have committed to blocking young teenagers from their platforms in compliance with Australia's new law, set to take effect on December 10. The companies outlined their plans during a remote parliamentary hearing in Canberra, alleviating concerns among Australian officials tasked with enforcing the legislation.
YouTube remains the sole major platform resisting the restrictions, arguing it operates as a video streaming service rather than social media. The law, passed in 2024, aims to shield minors from harmful content and online bullying but has raised privacy concerns over age verification and practical implementation.
Social media firms face penalties of up to A$50 million ($32 million) for non-compliance, while users and parents incur no penalties. Executives from TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, and Facebook expressed skepticism about the ban's effectiveness during a Senate hearing.
