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Meta, TikTok and Snap to Comply with Australia’s Under-16 Social Media Ban Despite Opposition. Australia’s new social media law banning users under 16 will take effect on December 10, forcing platforms like Meta, TikTok, and Snap to begin deactivating underage accounts. The companies told parliament they still oppose the ban but will comply, marking a shift in their response to one of the world’s most closely watched online safety policies. Under the law, platforms must take “reasonable steps” to block users under 16 or face fines of up to A$49.5 million ($32.5 million). Meta, TikTok, and Snap argue the ban could push minors toward less-regulated online spaces and limit healthy social interaction. Meta’s policy director Mia Garlick said around 450,000 Instagram and Facebook accounts will be affected. Users will be asked to delete their data or have it stored until they turn 16. TikTok says 200,000 of its Australian users are underage, while Snap estimates 440,000. Both will follow similar account removal or suspension processes. Platforms plan to use AI-driven behaviour tracking to identify users falsely claiming to be older. Accounts flagged as under 16 will be deactivated starting December 10. TikTok’s Ella Woods-Joyce said the company is “on track to meet compliance” and will cooperate fully with regulators despite disagreeing with the policy. Snap’s Jennifer Stout confirmed the company’s compliance via video link, stating: “We don’t agree, but we accept and we will abide by the law.” The law has become a global test case for regulating youth social media use amid growing concern over its impact on mental health.
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