Snapchat to ask users to prove their age ahead of social media ban

A social media site says it will disable accounts of under-16s as the social media ban for children under 16 approaches.

Snapchat says while it "strongly disagrees" with its inclusion, it will comply with the new laws which start on December 10.

It will ask users thought to be under 16 to prove their age, and if they can't they'll be kicked off.

They can do that through Photo ID, ConnectID via a bank or facial age estimation by k-ID.

"Snapchat is and has always been a visual messaging app, primarily used for connection with your closest friends and family," a Snapchat spokesman said.

"We know that for teens, maintaining friendships is a key contributor to happiness and well-being and are deeply saddened that young Aussies can no longer connect with their nearest and dearest via Snapchat,

"However, even though we strongly disagree with the government's assessment that Snapchat is an Age Restricted Social Media Platform, we will disable accounts for users under 16 from December 10."

Snapchat launches age verification.

Accounts belonging to under 16s will be locked.

Snapchat is a messaging app that lets users send images, videos or instant text messages to friends.

Meta, which owns Facebook and Instagram has also announced plans to start implementing the ban.

What is the social media ban?

Platforms that are deemed "age-restricted" will not be allowed to let children under 16 create an account.The measures will be legally binding after the government passed the Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Bill 2024 in November last year.