Australia banned social media for under 16s a month ago — here's how it's going

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It’s been a month since Australia banned under-16s from social media platforms, and some teens are glad to be free of the distraction, while others have found ways to bypass the law.

The Online Safety Amendment Act requires major social media platforms like Meta’s

Instagram, ByteDance’s TikTok, Alphabet’s YouTube, Elon Musk’s X, and Reddit to implement age verification methods such as facial estimation through selfies, uploaded ID documents, or linked bank details.

Tech companies — not parents and teens — face repercussions for any breaches. This includes a fine of up to 49.5 million Australian dollars ($32 million) if they fail to take “reasonable steps” to comply.