TikTok to Block Under-16s in Australia as Landmark Social Media Law Takes Effect

TikTok has confirmed it will enforce Australia’s upcoming age restrictions by blocking users under 16 from accessing the platform when the country’s new social media legislation comes into effect on December 10. The company acknowledged that the shift “may be upsetting” for young users but said the measures were necessary to comply with the law.

Australia is set to implement the world’s first nationwide ban preventing children under 16 from creating accounts on major social media platforms, including TikTok, Instagram and YouTube. The new rules require companies to take “reasonable steps” to restrict access for younger users, with potential penalties of up to A$49.5 million (US$32 million) for violations.

TikTok said existing accounts belonging to Australian users under 16 will be deactivated immediately once the law comes into force. Those accounts will no longer be usable, and any previously posted content will be removed from public view.

According to the company, affected teens will receive notifications outlining their options. Young users will be able to appeal the block if they believe they meet the age requirement, submitting proof such as official identification, a credit card authorization or facial verification images to confirm their age.

TikTok said it understood the disruption this would cause but emphasised its obligation to meet legislative demands. Teenagers who fall under the restriction will be able to download their data, delete their accounts or request a reminder to reactivate their profiles once they turn 16.

Parents were encouraged by TikTok to speak openly with their children about age requirements and to ensure accurate information is provided when signing up for online platforms.

The legislation has drawn criticism from digital rights advocates. The Digital Freedom Project has filed a challenge in Australia’s High Court, arguing the age ban is an unjustified intrusion on free expression and risks setting a precedent for broad online restrictions.

Australia’s move has attracted global attention as governments assess how to protect children from online risks, including harmful content, privacy breaches and predatory behaviour. Officials in Malaysia have announced plans to introduce a similar ban next year, while New Zealand has confirmed it will soon implement its own age limit on social media account creation.

As the deadline approaches, technology firms are racing to adjust their systems, signalling a significant shift in how platforms manage youth access in one of the most sweeping regulatory changes to date.