SYDNEY: Australia's world-first social media ban for under 16s had a bumpy start on Dec 10, with a number of young users saying they had managed to circumvent or escape the regulation just hours after it took effect.
"Dear Anthony Alabanese [sic]: I got past your ban," one user wrote in a TikTok video addressed to Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
Numerous other teenagers reported that their accounts were still active after the law came into force at midnight (1300 GMT on Tuesday).
Several young TikTok users also left comments on a TikTok video posted by Albanese on Wednesday evening about the new regulation. "Still here mate," read one of the many comments.
Although the ban took effect on Dec 10, the government had already said it was possible that not all affected accounts would be blocked immediately.
Under the new law, young people under the age of 16 are no longer allowed to have their own accounts on 10 major social media platforms including Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, Facebook, Reddit and YouTube.
Affected companies were given a year to introduce age verification measures, and violations will result in heavy fines. Messaging services such as WhatsApp, emails, online games and educational offerings are exempt.
The regulation, passed with the support of almost all major parties in parliament at the end of 2024, aims to protect young people from risks such as cyberbullying, problematic consumption and distressing content.
However, it is facing significant criticism, as well as a lawsuit before the Supreme Court.
"It won't be perfect. This is a big change," Albanese told reporters on Wednesday. – dpa
