Australia will implement its world-first ban on social media accounts for children under 16 from December 10, requiring platforms to detect and deactivate underage accounts, the federal government announced on Tuesday.

Regulatory guidance released by the government outlines how companies must comply with the new law, which passed Parliament in December 2024. The rules direct platforms to prioritize identifying and closing accounts belonging to users younger than 16, while also preventing them from immediately creating new accounts.

While platforms are not required to verify the age of every user, they must provide clear information on enforcement measures and create a transparent process for disputes. Failure to take “reasonable steps” to enforce the ban could result in fines of up to 49.5 million Australian dollars ($33 million).

Communications Minister Anika Wells said the legislation aims to drive cultural change and protect young users. “We are not anticipating perfection here. These are world-leading laws, but we are requiring meaningful change that will keep kids safe,” she noted.

Australia’s eSafety Commissioner, Julie Inman Grant, emphasized that her office will initially focus on systemic failures rather than isolated cases, acknowledging that building robust enforcement technology will take time.

The government has pointed to trial results released in August showing that age-assurance tools can effectively support compliance with age restrictions. The initiative represents a significant step in global online safety regulation, setting a precedent for other countries to follow.

By combining strong penalties with flexible enforcement, Australia hopes to balance innovation with accountability, while sending a message to tech giants that protecting children online is a legal and social responsibility.