Australia will enforce a nationwide ban on social media accounts for all children under 16 from 10 December. The law, passed last year, requires platforms to shut down existing underage accounts, block new sign-ups and verify user ages through technologies such as facial estimation, video selfies, government ID checks and AI-based tools. Major platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, X, YouTube, Reddit, Threads, Twitch and Kick are included, while WhatsApp and Pinterest are excluded. The move follows data showing 96% of Australian children aged 10 to 15 use social media, with high exposure to harmful content. Other countries are watching the rollout.