From 10 December 2025, some social media platforms will be restricted by law to people aged 16 and over. Social media “platforms” affected include Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and YouTube as well as others. Scammers are likely to take advantage of this change.
These laws require affected platforms to take reasonable steps to prevent anyone under 16 from creating or holding accounts, and to protect young people from risks and pressures when using social media.
Four potential scams have been identified that opportunistic criminals may use to take advantage of these changes, which put all social media users at risk.
What the scams might look like
Platform impersonation scams
Scammers may pretend to be social media platforms or age verification providers and ask you to verify your age or risk losing your account.
Government impersonation scams
Scammers may pretend to be from government or law enforcement, claiming you have breached the new laws and threaten fines unless you provide proof of age.
Fake ID scams
Scammers may offer fake IDs or access to age-verified accounts for a fee.
‘Hi Mum’ scams
Scammers might impersonate young people 16 or older, contacting their parents, grandparents, or guardians claiming they need help verifying their age to use a social media platform.
Key points for older Australians
No re-verification expected
You will likely not need to re-verify your age to continue using social media accounts.
Existing account holders
Platforms are not expected to verify the age of every existing user; they will focus on preventing under-16s from joining.
Focus on prevention
The new laws are designed to protect children, not inconvenience adult users.
“Reasonable Steps”
Platforms need to implement systems and processes to prevent children under 16 from opening accounts, but the definition of “reasonable steps” allows for some flexibility.
Note that Australians won’t be required to use government identification (like Digital ID) for age verification, and that these changes are for children’s safety and should not disrupt your social media experience as an adult.
How to keep safe online
- Avoid clicking on links in SMS and email unless you are sure it is safe.
- Verify the authenticity of requests.
- Watch out for scams – remember, if something seems too good to be true, it probably is.
- Use strong, unique passwords/passphrases
- Turn on two-factor authentication and never share two-factor authentication codes.
- Keep your devices and software updated.
- Backup your devices and data.
So, let’s continue to be careful online folks.
Colin Wilson-Evered (private risk & security adviser) and
Helen Smith (Computer Class Leader)
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