Australia says social media ban will not age test all users | International

SYDNEY, Sept 16, 2025 (BSS/AFP) - Australia will not require social media giants to verify the ages of all users under its ban on under-16s using the platforms, Canberra said Tuesday. But platforms like Facebook, Snapchat, TikTok and YouTube are expected to take "reasonable steps" to stop children from accessing the apps, it said. Australia has been a leader in global efforts to prevent internet harm, but current legislation offers almost no details on how the ban will be enforced -- prompting concern among experts that it will simply be a symbolic piece of unenforceable legislation. Social media companies have also described the laws as "vague", "problematic" and "rushed". Communications Minister Anika Wells said on Tuesday social media groups would...