How Australia’s Under-16 Social Media Ban Works: The Tech Behind the World-First Crackdown

Australia has launched the world’s first social media ban for users under 16, forcing major tech platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, Facebook, and YouTube to verify ages with new security tools. Companies that fail to take “reasonable steps” to block underage accounts will face heavy fines as the law takes effect on Dec 10.

Here’s how the new age-checking systems work.

1. ID Verification—But Without Mandatory Government Documents

The simplest method is scanning an official ID such as a passport or driver’s licence. But because of privacy concerns—and the risk of teens using a parent’s ID—Australia has banned platforms from requiring government IDs, even when age disputes occur.

Some users can choose third-party age verification instead. For example, Snapchat allows verification through an Australian bank account or via the Singapore-based service k-ID, which returns only a “yes/no” result confirming if a user is above 16.

2. Selfie-Based Age Estimation

Platforms are increasingly turning to AI-driven facial analysis.

Snapchat uses k-ID to estimate age from a selfie. Meta—owner of Instagram and Facebook—uses the London-based startup Yoti, whose AI identifies age patterns and can estimate within a minute. TikTok also relies on Yoti for age checks.

These systems delete face data after analysis, but experts warn of false results for users close to the age limit or those who attempt to fool the algorithm.

3. Behavioural Signals and Account Activity

Only accounts suspected of being underage must undergo verification.

Platforms analyze clues such as:

Age entered at signup

Content viewed (e.g., gaming tips vs home-care guides)

Activity patterns during school hours

Birthday messages from friends

Email addresses tied to adult-only services

These signals already shape targeted advertising, raising fresh privacy questions under the new rules.

4. A “Waterfall” of Techniques to Catch Evaders

Australia’s eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant says platforms must use a “waterfall of effective tools” to avoid errors. No single method is perfect, especially for teens who have just turned 16 or refuse to provide ID.

In some cases, a responsible adult may need to vouch for a child’s age, according to Verifymy’s Andy Lulham.

Australia expects many young users will try to bypass the ban, and platforms are encouraged to innovate continually. While not foolproof, the new multi-layered checks mark a major shift in global online safety standards.