In a major move for online safety, Snapchat has officially started asking its teenage users in Australia to verify their ages. This comes just weeks before the Australian government enforces a sweeping new law that will ban anyone under the age of 16 from using social media platforms.
New Age Verification Process Explained
A spokesperson for Snapchat confirmed the new measures began this week. Starting from November 24, 2025, many young users are being prompted to confirm how old they are if they wish to keep using the app.
The company has laid out three main methods for this verification. Users can prove their age by linking an Australian bank account, by uploading a government-issued ID, or by taking a photo of their face. This facial image will then be analysed by a trusted third party, which will provide an estimated age range.
The Impending Social Media Ban and Its Consequences
The reason for this sudden push is a landmark piece of legislation from the Australian government. From December 10, 2025, social media giants including Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok will be legally required to remove users under the age of 16. Platforms that fail to comply will face hefty fines.
As a direct result, Snapchat has announced that any user accounts belonging to people under 16 will be locked when the ban takes effect. The company is strongly advising its teenage users to download their personal data from the app as soon as possible, warning that it may become much more difficult to do so after December 10.
Global Spotlight on Australia's Bold Move
While Snapchat has stated it will comply with the new local law, it has also expressed its disagreement with the government's approach. The messaging app warned that forcibly disconnecting teenagers from their established networks of friends and family does not necessarily make them safer. Instead, it might push young users towards less secure and less private messaging applications.
It is important to note that not all platforms are affected by this initial ban. Ten services, including Discord, WhatsApp, Lego Play, and Pinterest, have so far been excluded from the legislation. However, Australian authorities have made it clear they reserve the right to add more platforms to the banned list in the future.
The world is watching Australia's experiment closely as regulators globally grapple with the dangers posed by social media. New Zealand's Prime Minister, Christopher Luxon, has already announced plans to introduce a similar bill, and the Dutch government has advised parents to stop children under 15 from using apps like TikTok and Snapchat.
On paper, Australia's ban is one of the strictest in the world. Yet, some experts are sceptical, expressing concerns that the law could be more symbolic than effective due to the significant challenges involved in implementing and policing online age verification systems.
