Key Takeaways Australia has passed the world's first ban on social media use by children under 16, a strict law that could hurt platforms like X, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram and others. The onus will be on the social media platforms to take the responsibility of ensuring children don't have accounts,

From late 2025, platforms including Meta's (META.O) Instagram, Elon Musk's X, TikTok and Snapchat (SNAP.N) must show Australians they are taking reasonable steps to keep out users under 16 or face fines up to A$49.5 million ($32 million). Google's (GOOGL.O) YouTube, a classroom staple, is exempt.

Australia's lawmakers have voted to ban those under the age of 16 from using social media—even if their parents are okay with it. On Friday morning, Australia’s house of representatives approved the bill with bipartisan support,