Snapchat has introduced mandatory age verification for teenage users in Australia as the country prepares to enforce a world-first ban on under-16s using social media platforms, effective December 10.

Under the new system, users must confirm their age through one of three methods:

• Linking an Australian bank account
• Uploading a government-issued ID
• Completing facial analysis via a third-party provider that estimates age range

Accounts belonging to users under 16 will be locked from December 10. Snapchat has advised affected teens to download their data immediately, warning that access may become difficult once restrictions take effect.

While the company stated it “strongly disagrees” with the ban, arguing that disconnecting teens from friends and family does not improve safety, it confirmed full compliance with the law.

So far, ten platforms — including Discord, WhatsApp, Lego Play, and Pinterest — have been exempted, though Australian authorities retain the power to expand the banned list. The legislation carries penalties of up to A$49.5 million for systemic breaches.

Informed observers remain divided on the feasibility of enforcement, citing challenges in reliable online age verification. Meanwhile, New Zealand is planning similar restrictions, and the Netherlands has advised parents to block children under 15 from apps such as Snapchat and TikTok.