As Australia prepares to enforce a social media ban for those under 16, many young Australians are scrambling to preserve their online data before losing access to popular platforms like Instagram and TikTok.

Beginning early next month, Australian users under the age of 16 will be removed from numerous social media sites deemed ‘age-restricted.’

This impending ban has sparked controversy, with significant pushback from young Australians, yet its implementation seems inevitable.

Do I have to upload my ID to keep my social media account?

To verify their age, users might be allowed to present a government-issued ID, although this cannot be the sole method.

Social media platforms with age restrictions are required to provide a viable alternative for age verification beyond just government identification.

This requirement stems from the Social Media Minimum Age legislation, which explicitly forbids platforms from mandating Australians to supply government-issued IDs or utilize an accredited digital ID service to confirm their age.

“No one who is 16 or older is prevented from having a social media account because they choose not to provide government ID,” per the eSafety website.