TikTok has confirmed it will comply with Australia’s new law banning anyone under 16 from joining social media platforms, acknowledging that the upcoming changes “may be upsetting” for young users.
The legislation, the first of its kind globally, takes effect on December 10, and targets platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube.
Companies that fail to follow the rules could face penalties of up to Aus$49.5 million (US$32 million).
In a statement on Friday, TikTok said it will block under-16 users in Australia the moment the law comes into force.
This means minors will no longer be able to create or maintain accounts.
Existing accounts belonging to under-16s will be deactivated, and previously posted content will become inaccessible to the public.
Affected teens will be able to appeal the block by proving their age through methods such as submitting a facial image, providing official identification, or using credit card verification.
“We understand that these changes may be upsetting, but they are necessary to ensure that TikTok complies with Australian law,” the platform said.
Under the new rules, young users can either verify their age, download their account data, delete their profile, or request a reminder to restore their account once they turn 16.
TikTok also encouraged parents to discuss the importance of providing accurate age information with their children.
Australia’s Communications Minister, Anika Wells, defended the law, revealing that some teenagers had taken their own lives after harmful content found its way into their feeds.
“This specific law will not fix every harm occurring on the internet, but it will make it easier for kids to chase a better version of themselves,” she said.
However, the measure faces pushback. The Digital Freedom Project has filed a High Court challenge, arguing that the restrictions amount to an unfair attack on free speech.
Australia’s move has drawn global attention, with other countries exploring similar steps.
Malaysia has signaled plans to roll out an under-16 restriction next year, while New Zealand is preparing to introduce the same policy.
