Snapchat announced that it will disable accounts of users under 16 as the social media ban for children under 16 comes into effect.
While the company “strongly disagrees” with being included in the ban, it confirmed it will comply with the new laws starting December 10. Users suspected to be under 16 will be asked to verify their age, and those who cannot will have their accounts locked. Verification options include Photo ID, ConnectID via a bank, or facial age estimation through k-ID.
A Snapchat spokesman said, “Snapchat is and has always been a visual messaging app, primarily used for connection with your closest friends and family. We know that for teens, maintaining friendships is a key contributor to happiness and well-being and are deeply saddened that young Australians can no longer connect with their nearest and dearest via Snapchat. However, even though we strongly disagree with the government’s assessment that Snapchat is an Age Restricted Social Media Platform, we will disable accounts for users under 16 from December 10.”
Snapchat allows users to send images, videos, or instant text messages to friends. Meta, which owns Facebook and Instagram, has also announced plans to enforce the ban.
The social media ban applies to platforms deemed “age-restricted,” preventing children under 16 from creating accounts. The law became legally binding after the government passed the Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Bill 2024 in November last year.
Platforms affected by the ban include Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, Threads, Reddit, and Kick. The addition of Reddit and Kick sparked some controversy, as similar platforms were excluded from the list.
