Social media behemoths won't make a commitment to bar under-16s

What’s the Issue?

Australia’s New Law:

In late 2024, the Australian Parliament passed the Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Act.

From 10 December 2025, social media platforms will be legally required to take “reasonable steps” to stop users under 16 from having accounts.

If platforms fail to comply, they could face fines as high as A$50 million.

Which Platforms Are Affected:

The law targets major platforms, including Meta’s Facebook and Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, X (formerly Twitter), Reddit, and YouTube.

Some services, like WhatsApp and certain educational or gaming platforms, are exempt because of their primary function.
What About the Pledge?

As part of this rollout, the Australian eSafety Commissioner asked these companies to publicly sign a pledge — a voluntary commitment indicating they will support and obey the under-16 ban.

However, several major platforms have refused to sign or publicly commit to the pledge.

Their refusal is raising red flags: people are wondering if this is a signal that they plan to resist or legally challenge parts of the law.
Why Are Companies Hesitant?

Here are some of the reasons given by these tech giants:

Vagueness of the Law: The bill doesn’t define exactly how platforms should enforce the ban. What “reasonable steps” means is left open.


Legal Risk: By not signing a voluntary pledge, they may be keeping their legal options open — especially since the penalties are steep.

Technical Challenges: Age verification is complicated. Platforms have proposed different approaches — biometric selfies, ID checks, age inference using behaviour.

Privacy Concerns: Some age-verification methods might raise privacy issues (for example, uploading IDs or face scans).

Effectiveness Doubts: Platforms argue that banning under-16s could push teens toward less-regulated digital spaces, which could be even more harmful.
What Are Companies Saying Publicly?

Meta (Facebook & Instagram): Has said it opposes certain parts of the law, but will “abide” by it.

TikTok: Also publicly stated its opposition but is preparing to comply.

Snapchat (Snap): Has expressed concern, too. They view themselves as more of a “visual messaging” service than traditional social media.
Bigger Picture: Why This Matters

This is a landmark regulation — among the strictest age-based social media laws globally.

The refusal to sign a pledge could hint at future legal battles, especially if companies find the enforcement mechanisms overreaching or unclear.

How the age verification actually works (technology, privacy safeguards, indirect methods) will set a precedent for other countries considering similar rules.