The Australian government confirmed that a new law banning children under 16 from using certain social media platforms will go into effect next month, despite a legal challenge filed on Wednesday.
According to The Associated Press, the Sydney-based Digital Freedom Project has taken the legislation to the High Court, arguing that the law infringes on young people’s rights.
The law, set to take effect on Dec. 10, prohibits Australian children younger than 16 from holding accounts on platforms including Facebook, Instagram, Threads, Snapchat, TikTok, X, and YouTube.
Communications Minister Anika Wells addressed the challenge in Parliament, reaffirming the government’s commitment to the ban.
“We will not be intimidated by legal challenges. We will not be intimidated by Big Tech. On behalf of Australian parents, we stand firm,” she said.
The Digital Freedom Project, led by New South Wales lawmaker John Ruddick, criticized the legislation as an overreach.
“Parental supervision of online activity is today the paramount parental responsibility. We do not want to outsource that responsibility to government and unelected bureaucrats,” Ruddick said. He added, “This ban is a direct assault on young people’s right to freedom of political communication.”
The case is being represented by Sydney law firm Pryor, Tzannes and Wallis Solicitors on behalf of two 15-year-old children. It remains unclear whether the group will seek a court injunction to halt the law before it officially takes effect.
Ahead of the ban, Meta has begun notifying thousands of Australian users suspected to be under 16, instructing them to download their digital histories and delete their accounts from Facebook, Instagram, and Threads.
The government has warned that companies failing to comply with the new rules could face fines of up to 50 million Australian dollars ($32 million).
Australia is not alone in moving to restrict social media access for minors. Malaysia announced plans this week to ban accounts for children under 16 starting in 2026.
Malaysian Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said the measure aims to protect young people from online harms such as cyberbullying, scams, and sexual exploitation.
His government is studying Australia’s approach, including the potential use of identity verification through electronic checks with ID cards or passports.
The upcoming Dec. 10 enforcement date signals a significant moment in the global debate over children, technology, and government regulation of online spaces.
