A rising number of governments worldwide are making moves to limit or forbid access to social media for minors, with over a dozen countries currently in the process of enacting laws or seeking public feedback on the matter.
Australia set a global precedent by enforcing a ban on social media use for individuals under 16 in December 2025. The ban encompasses popular platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Threads, TikTok, X, Reddit, Twitch, and Kick. Companies failing to uphold the ban could face fines up to $49.5 million AUD. The Australian government mandates that platforms must employ various verification methods to confirm users’ ages over 16 and cannot rely solely on self-reported information.
Following Australia’s lead, several European nations have taken steps in the same direction. France passed a bill in January 2026 outlawing social media access for those under 15, awaiting final approval from the Senate. Austria also plans to ban social media for minors under 14, with legislation expected to be finalized by June. Denmark has garnered bipartisan support for a ban on platforms for individuals under 15, potentially becoming law by mid-2026.
Greece’s prime minister declared in April that social media access for individuals under 15 would be prohibited starting January 2027, citing increased anxiety and sleep disturbances among youth. Spain’s prime minister similarly proposed a ban for those under 16 in early February, awaiting parliamentary consent. Slovenia, Poland, and Germany are in the process of formulating or discussing similar regulations.
Beyond Europe, Indonesia announced in early March its prohibition on social media and other popular online platforms for individuals under 16, while Malaysia plans to implement a comparable ban for minors this year. Turkey’s parliament passed a bill in April to limit social media use for those under 15, awaiting presidential approval.
In the United Kingdom, there is ongoing consultation with parents, young people, and civil society on the potential implementation of a ban for individuals under 16. Discussions also include the consideration of requiring platforms to restrict features that promote compulsive use, such as infinite scrolling.
Despite criticisms from groups like Amnesty Tech, who view these bans as ineffective and raising privacy concerns regarding age verification, the legislative momentum across continents continues to progress without significant hindrance.
