Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
AAP
AAP
Politics
Andrew Brown

No excuse: tech giants warned ahead of social media ban

An ad campaign will be rolled out before Australia's social media ban comes into effect. (Joel Carrett/AAP PHOTOS)

Social media companies have been put on notice to be prepared for an incoming ban on children being able to use their platforms.

As a federal ad campaign is set to be rolled out in preparation of the ban coming into effect on December 10, the minister in charge of the world-leading laws warns there is no excuse for sites not to be ready.

Communications Minister Anika Wells met executives from Facebook's parent company Meta, Snapchat and TikTok on Monday about expectations for how the ban will be enforced.

Meetings executives from YouTube will take place later in the week, while talks with Elon Musk's X will be done in November.

Minister for Communications Anika Wells
Social media firms have a social responsibility, Communications Minister Anika Wells warns. (Mick Tsikas/AAP PHOTOS)

Ms Wells said while platforms were told perfection in upholding the bans was not expected, attempts to shift the blame would not be condoned.

"Social media companies have a social responsibility," Ms Wells said.

"The purpose of this law is clear - this is about creating cultural change so that young Australians have three more years to build real-world connections and online resilience."

From December 10, platforms must take reasonable steps to detect underage users and prevent under-16s accessing the platforms, as well as provide an accessible complaints process for users.

Tech giants could face fines of up to $50 million if they do not comply.

A national ad campaign will be rolled out from later in the week before the ban goes into effect.

"This important education campaign will make a meaningful difference to help prepare Australians parents and their children for the Albanese government's world-first social media age laws," Ms Wells said.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.