The Australian government's plan to block users under 16 from joining major social media platforms is being tested in real time, as tech-savvy teenagers quickly discover loopholes in the new age verification rules. Set to begin on 10 December, the policy introduces a minimum age of 16 to create accounts on platforms like TikTok, YouTube, Facebook and Instagram, but enforcing it is becoming a digital game of cat and mouse.
Australia's initiative is the first of its kind aimed at limiting online exposure for younger teens, with an estimated 1.5 million accounts expected to be deactivated once the law is enforced. The policy has bipartisan support and comes amid rising concern about online safety and harmful content. Other countries, including Denmark, are observing the rollout with interest, considering similar protections for children under 15.
As enforcement approaches, young users are already altering their profiles to appear compliant. On TikTok, many profiles now include phrases such as "account owned by mum" or "+ Mum" in usernames. Some feature images of parents to give the impression of supervision, while others suggest switching to lesser-known apps like Lemon8 to avoid being flagged. Although digital identity checks including facial recognition are being trialled, experts warn that make-up, disguises and misleading visuals make verifying age accurately a difficult task.
The bigger issue is not only detecting age but managing the confusion that could follow account removals. Errors may result in users over 16 being removed as well. Platforms are working to develop more accurate age-tracking tools, and government agencies are planning an awareness campaign to support families through the transition. With only weeks left before the policy's introduction, it risks causing just as much confusion as it does protection, and teens appear to be staying ahead of the system.
