Australia becomes the first country to block under-16s from social media, forcing platforms to verify ages or face steep fines.

Australia has officially enacted a world-first law banning children under 16 from using social media, marking one of the most sweeping youth-protection moves ever taken against Big Tech. Starting this week, platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and Snapchat must verify users’ ages and deny access to minors or face heavy fines. The government says the ban aims to shield kids from cyberbullying, sexual exploitation, and mental-health harms. Global regulators are watching closely, and experts predict other nations may adopt similar restrictions.








