Australia's new law banning social media for under-16s faces challenges. A report found that while various age verification methods are possible (using IDs, parental consent, or facial recognition), none are perfect. Accuracy issues and privacy concerns exist with each method. The government plans to layer these methods for better enforcement, but companies like Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat face significant fines if they fail to comply by December. While the ban is popular, some worry about children's social connection and migration to less-regulated online spaces.

Prepared by Jonathan Pierce and reviewed by editorial team.