Australia will begin enforcing a worldwide-first ban on social media for users under the age of 16 starting tomorrow, December 10.

The new law requires ten major platforms, including Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, to block access for underage users or face fines of up to A$49.5 million. The Australian government stated the measure addresses mental health concerns linked to social media use, citing internal industry documents that previously revealed platforms knew their products contributed to issues like body image problems among teenagers, as per a Reuters report on the matter.

All but one of the ten platforms, X, have stated they will comply with the law, adds the report. Companies are expected to use methods like age estimation from a user's online activity or selfies, or by checking identification documents. Elon Musk has criticised the ban as a potential backdoor to controlling internet access.

The rollout is being closely watched by other governments considering similar regulations, including Denmark, Malaysia, and the UK. An Australian regulator has commissioned a multi-year study with academics to analyse the ban's impact.

Industry experts note the law signifies a major shift for social media platforms, which have historically grown by attracting young users. While companies say they earn little from advertising to this age group, they acknowledge the ban disrupts their pipeline of future users.