Australia sets new social media age limitCEFR B1
15 Dec 2025
Adapted from Kevin Rennie, Global Voices • CC BY 3.0
Photo by Steven Wei, Unsplash
Australia introduced a new social media age restriction on 10 December 2025. The law requires major platforms to take reasonable steps to prevent Australians under 16 from having accounts. It covers both existing and new accounts, and companies must show they are ejecting or blocking children under 16.
The government, led by the eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant, named ten platforms covered by the rule, including Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, Snapchat, TikTok and YouTube. WhatsApp and Roblox are not included, while smaller apps were asked to self‑assess.
The rollout drew strong reactions. The U.S. Congress asked the eSafety Commissioner to testify and a letter from the Committee chair used strong language. Young people and campaign groups also spoke out; for example, a 14‑year‑old named Zoey gained attention and an SBS News post on TikTok reached many viewers. Groups asked for features such as an opt‑in algorithm to reduce harm.
Practical issues include age checks like facial scans, ID and bank card checks and the use of VPNs to bypass limits. Legal challenges by Reddit and two teenagers are headed to the High Court. Julie Inman Grant said she will "play the long game" on compliance.
Difficult words
- restriction — rule that limits what people can do
- platform — website or app where people share contentplatforms
- prevent — stop something from happening or being done
- eject — remove someone from a service or placeejecting
- block — stop access so someone cannot use itblocking
- rollout — process of starting something new for many people
- compliance — acting according to a rule or law
- algorithm — set of rules a program uses to decide
- bypass — find a way around a rule or system
- facial scan — digital check of a person's face for identityfacial scans
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Do you think age 16 is the right age for social media accounts? Why or why not?
- How could platforms check a user's age without creating privacy problems?
- If you were a young person affected by the rule, how would you respond to the change and why?
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