Australia: TikTok to Block Accounts of Users Under 16 in Compliance with Law

Australia: TikTok has announced that it will block accounts of users under 16 years old in compliance with an upcoming ban on social media for younger individuals in the country, which will take effect on December 10.

"Teenagers with existing accounts will be notified that they will no longer be able to use their account, which will become inactive" on the day the law takes effect, TikTok stated in a press release.

"If they have already posted content, it will no longer be accessible to other users on TikTok," the company added, noting that blocked users can appeal to prove their age, including submitting facial photos, credit card authorization, or an official ID.

TikTok urged parents to "talk" to their children to ensure they are honest about their age.

The new Australian law restricts access to social media platforms for those under 16, marking a global first. Companies face fines of AUD 49.5 million (EUR 28 million) if they do not take "reasonable measures" to comply with the law.

The human rights group Digital Freedom Project has stated that it has challenged this measure in the High Court of Australia, calling it an "unjust" infringement on freedom of expression.

The implementation of this unprecedented measure is being closely monitored worldwide, as regulators worry about the effects of social media on younger users.

"We understand that these changes may be upsetting, but they are necessary to ensure TikTok's compliance with Australian legislation," the platform justified.

Teenagers now have the choice to confirm their age, download their content, delete their account, or request a reminder to recover their TikTok account when they turn 16.