Tech platforms told to 'mobilise' for social media ban

The clock is ticking on Australia’s social media ban for under-16s, due later in 2025. (Jono Searle/AAP PHOTOS)

By Kat Wong in Canberra

Tech giants have been told to begin preparations to kick under-16s off their platforms, but young Australians hold doubts about the impending social media ban.

From December, Australians younger than 16 will no longer be able to have an account on platforms including TikTok, Snapchat, Facebook, YouTube and Instagram under the federal government’s world-first social media measure.

With 95 per cent of 10 to 15-year-olds holding at least one social media account and the clock ticking down on the ban, Australia’s online safety watchdog has written to tech companies outlining expectations for the rollout.

Platforms will have to detect affected users and