The Australian government confirmed that a national rule will begin on December 10 to ban children younger than 16 from creating accounts on major social media platforms. The policy will apply across the country and aims to reduce online risks for minors. The Digital Freedom Project, a Sydney-based advocacy group, filed a constitutional challenge in the High Court saying that the rule limits young people’s right to political communication. Communications Minister Anika Wells told Parliament that the government will continue with the plan as scheduled, noting that strong parental concerns influenced the decision. A Sydney law firm is supporting the case on behalf of two 15-year-old students, creating a wider public debate about government involvement in regulating digital activity.

Technology companies and government agencies have already begun preparing for the rule. Meta recently sent notices to thousands of suspected underage Australian users, advising them to download their digital histories and delete accounts on Facebook, Instagram, and Threads before December 10. Under the legislation, platforms such as Meta services, Snapchat, TikTok, X, and YouTube must take reasonable steps to block users under 16 or face fines of up to 50 million Australian dollars. Officials stated that the rule is necessary to protect young people from cyberbullying, scams, and exploitation. Malaysia approved a similar plan that will begin in 2026 and is studying age-verification systems linked to national identity records. Observers noted that these developments show increasing global efforts to improve online safety for younger users.