As governments around the world scramble to protect children from the perceived risks of social media, a growing number of countries are introducing laws that ban or severely restrict access to popular platforms for users under 16. Australia was the first to take this step, followed by Canada, the UK, and several US states, including California and New York. But while these efforts aim to safeguard minors from mental health risks, addiction, and online safety concerns, they’re already facing significant challenges.
Tech giants like TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and YouTube are struggling to comply with these laws without alienating their user base. One of the main issues is identifying users’ ages accurately. While platforms can implement age verification processes using facial recognition technology or other means, these methods have proven flawed. In Australia, for example, the eSafety commissioner recently reported concerns about errors in facial age estimation technology, which can lead to false positives or negatives.
Moreover, as Joe Kaufmann, global head of privacy and data protection officer at Jumio, notes, companies face a delicate balance between complying with these laws and providing a positive user experience for those who should be on their platforms. “As soon as a law is passed, companies look at their user bases to determine who is and isn’t in scope,” Kaufmann explains. “But it’s tricky to accomplish that without disrupting the user base.” This has led to concerns about user retention and satisfaction.
The UK government’s plan to ban social media for users under 16 has sparked debate among experts. While Prime Minister Keir Starmer has called out tech giants for failing to protect children, others argue that these bans are more of a stopgap measure than a long-term solution. “Kids today are resourceful and technically savvy,” Kaufmann says. “They will find ways to bypass controls.” This is evident in the way some platforms have implemented age restrictions, only to see users find workarounds.
To comply with these laws, companies must now handle two major concerns: user retention and satisfaction on one hand, and the need to collect sensitive information from users on the other. As Kaufmann notes, many companies were not interested in collecting this information before but are now forced to do so to avoid harsh penalties. The Australian government recently doubled the maximum penalty for breaches of the Social Media Minimum Age (SMMA) law to $99 million.
The reality is that these bans are a symptom of a larger issue: the need for tech giants to take responsibility for protecting their users, particularly children. While governments may be trying to address mental health risks and online safety concerns, they’re also acknowledging that social media platforms have become an integral part of modern life. As such, it’s essential for companies to find ways to balance compliance with user needs.
For users, the takeaway is clear: even if your country has introduced age restrictions on social media, these bans may not be foolproof. To stay safe online, parents and guardians should continue to monitor their children’s activity and educate them about online risks. Meanwhile, tech giants must work towards creating more effective solutions that balance user needs with regulatory requirements.
Source: Dark Reading — 2026-07-10