Snapchat says it has blocked or disabled 415,000 Australian accounts it believes belong to users under 16, following Australia’s new law that took effect on December 10. The company warned that age‑estimation technology can be inaccurate by two to three years, creating potential loopholes and wrongful lockouts. Snapchat and Meta have urged authorities to require app‑store level age verification to strengthen enforcement while cautioning that an outright ban may harm teens who rely on messaging to stay connected.
Snapchat Disables 415,000 Australian Accounts Tied to Under‑16 Users, Urges App‑Store Age Checks
Snapchat says teens may be skirting a social media ban in Australia (Kirill KUDRYAVTSEV)(Kirill KUDRYAVTSEV/AFP/AFP)
Snapchat says it has blocked or disabled 415,000 accounts in Australia that it believes belong to users under 16, as part of enforcement of the country’s landmark social media law.
The legislation, which came into force on December 10, requires major platforms — including Snapchat, Meta, TikTok and YouTube — to prevent people under 16 from holding accounts. Companies face fines of up to Aus$49.5 million (about US$34 million) if regulators determine they did not take "reasonable steps" to comply.
What Snapchat Reported
As of the end of January, Snapchat said it had blocked or disabled 415,000 Australian accounts it associates with under‑16 users, and that it continues to lock additional accounts daily. Australia’s eSafety regulator has reported that tech firms have taken action on roughly 4.7 million accounts overall under the new rules.
Concerns About Age‑Estimation Technology
Snapchat warned the law contains "significant gaps" because current age‑estimation technology has a typical margin of error of two to three years. That inaccuracy could let some under‑16s evade protections while causing some over‑16 users to lose access incorrectly.
"In practice, this means some young people under 16 may be able to bypass protections, potentially leaving them with reduced safeguards, while others over 16 may incorrectly lose access," Snapchat said.
Call For App‑Store Verification
To reduce loopholes, Snapchat — along with Meta — urged Australian authorities to require app stores to verify users' ages before allowing downloads. The company said a centralized, app‑store level verification system would create more consistent protection and raise the barriers to circumvention.
Snapchat also said it does not believe an outright ban on under‑16 access is the best approach. The company argued that Snapchat functions primarily as a messaging app that young people use to stay connected with friends and family, and that cutting teens off could harm their wellbeing and social connections.
Context: The debate highlights tensions between policymakers seeking stronger online protections for children and platforms concerned about enforcement accuracy and the unintended effects of broad restrictions.
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