Snapchat has started asking Australian teenagers to confirm their ages, a company spokesperson said on Monday. The move comes just weeks before Australia enforces strict new laws that will bar anyone under 16 from using social media.

New Age Rules Take Effect on December 10

From December 10, platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat must remove all users under 16. If they fail to do so, they will face heavy penalties. Snapchat confirmed the rollout, saying, “Starting this week, many users will be asked to verify their age to continue accessing Snapchat.”

How Users Will Verify Their Ages

Teenagers can prove their age in three ways:
By using an Australian bank account
By uploading government-issued ID
Or by taking a photo that a third-party system will analyse to estimate age

If users under 16 fail the verification, Snapchat will lock their accounts from December 10.

Snapchat Warns Teens to Save Their Data

The platform urged young users to download their data quickly. It said doing so may become difficult once the ban begins. Snapchat added that it disagreed with being part of the government’s restrictions but stated, “we will comply, as we do with all local laws in countries in which we operate.”

The company also cautioned, “However, disconnecting teens from their friends and family doesn’t make them safer – it may push them to less safe, less private messaging apps.”

Not All Platforms Are Included in the Ban

Ten platforms, including WhatsApp, Discord, Pinterest, and Lego Play, have avoided being added to the restricted list. Still, the government has kept the option open to expand the ban if needed.

Global Attention on Australia’s Move

Regulators worldwide are watching Australia's decision closely. Many countries are debating how to manage the risks of social media for children. New Zealand’s Prime Minister Christopher Luxon plans to introduce a similar law. Earlier this year, the Dutch government advised parents to stop children under 15 from using apps like TikTok and Snapchat.

Australia’s rules are among the toughest in the world. However, experts worry that enforcing and monitoring age verification online may be difficult, making the law more symbolic than practical.