3 min read
Snapchat has officially begun its purge. As of Monday, the visual messaging giant confirmed it has blocked or disabled 415,000 accounts in Australia. This massive crackdown is a direct response to the country’s world-first “Social Media Minimum Age” law, which bans children under 16 from accessing social media platforms.
The legislation came into effect on December 10, 2025. Since then, tech companies have scrambled to comply. Australia’s eSafety online regulator reported last month that tech giants, including Meta, TikTok, and YouTube, have collectively blocked 4.7 million accounts.
The consequences for non-compliance are severe. Companies face fines of up to Aus$49.5 million (US$34 million) if they fail to take “reasonable steps” to enforce the ban.
The “Lock Screen” Reality
For thousands of Australian teens, the app experience has changed drastically. Users suspected of being underage are now greeted with a stark notification:
Your account has been locked.
According to the new interface, users have limited options. Those who are actually 16 or older can verify their age to regain access. However, users under 16 are permanently locked out of the social features.
Snapchat has provided a temporary lifeline for their data, though. Banned users can download their “Memories” until their account is unlocked. The company stated in the app:
We look forward to seeing you back on Snapchat when you’re 16!
Snapchat Pushes Back: “Significant Gaps” Remain
Despite locking nearly half a million accounts, Snapchat is not staying silent about the technical hurdles. The company argues that current age estimation technology is flawed. According to Snapchat, these tools are only accurate to within two to three years.
This creates a messy situation. In an online statement, Snapchat warned that some users under 16 might bypass these protections. Conversely, users over 16 might incorrectly lose access. The company stated:
We continue to lock more accounts daily.
However, they believe the current method leaves users with “reduced safeguards”.
A Call for App Store Verification
Snapchat has joined Mark Zuckerberg’s Meta in proposing a different solution. They are urging Australian authorities to shift the burden of proof. Specifically, they want a centralized verification system at the app-store level.
Snapchat argues that if Apple and Google check ages before a download occurs, it would create “higher barriers to circumventing the law”.
Furthermore, the platform fundamentally disagrees with the ban’s philosophy. Snapchat positions itself as a messaging tool for close friends rather than a traditional social media feed. The company said:
We do not believe that cutting teens off from these relationships makes them safer, happier, or otherwise better off.
For now, the ban stands, and the digital gates remain closed for Australia’s youth.
