TikTok To Block Under-16s In Australia From Dec 10 As New Law Takes Effect

TikTok To Enforce Australia’s Under-16 Social Media Ban On Dec 10

TikTok said on Friday it will comply with Australia’s upcoming law that prohibits people under 16 from joining social media platforms, implementing the changes on the day the legislation takes effect, December 10. The company warned users that the changes "may be upsetting" while stressing the measures are necessary to meet legal requirements.

The legislation, described as a world-first, covers major platforms including TikTok, Instagram and YouTube. Firms that do not take what the law calls "reasonable steps" to comply face fines of up to Aus$49.5 million (about US$32 million).

Under TikTok’s announced approach, new account creation for anyone identified as under 16 in Australia will be blocked from Dec 10. Existing accounts held by under-16s will be deactivated: users will receive a notification that their account is inactive, and any content they previously published will no longer be visible to other TikTok users.

Young people who are flagged as under 16 will be offered several options: they can appeal to verify their age, download their account data, delete the account, or request a reminder to recover the account when they turn 16. TikTok said appeals may require proof of age such as official identity documents, credit card authorisation or facial verification.

“We understand that these changes may be upsetting, but they are necessary to ensure that TikTok complies with Australian law,” the company said in a statement.

Communications Minister Anika Wells, speaking a week before the law takes effect, said social media algorithms have in some cases repeatedly targeted vulnerable teens with harmful content. "This specific law will not fix every harm occurring on the internet, but it will make it easier for kids to chase a better version of themselves," she told reporters, linking the law to efforts to reduce algorithm-driven harms.

The move has already prompted legal pushback. The Digital Freedom Project has launched a High Court challenge, arguing the restrictions are an "unfair" attack on freedom of speech. The outcome of that challenge could affect how — and whether — the law is enforced in practice.

Australia’s decision has drawn international attention: Malaysia has signalled plans to bar under-16s from signing up to social media next year, and New Zealand has announced a similar measure, highlighting growing global scrutiny of children's access to major online platforms.

What This Means For Users And Parents

• Under-16s in Australia will not be able to create new accounts or use existing accounts on TikTok from Dec 10.
• Blocked users can appeal with ID, facial verification or credit card authorisation, or choose to download or delete their data.
• Parents are encouraged to discuss age and account use with their children; TikTok said it will provide options to reclaim accounts once the user turns 16.