Australia’s government is set to enforce a ban on under-16s using social media starting from December 10. Communications Minister Anika Wells said it could take “days or even weeks” for the age verification systems to work properly. "We know it won’t be perfect from day one but we won’t give up – and we won’t let the platforms off the hook," Wells said. Some major social media platforms like YouTube and TikTok have not yet revealed how they will check users’ ages. Meta has informed users on Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and Threads about the upcoming changes. Platforms failing to remove underage users could face fines up to $50 million. Interestingly, Lemon8, a newer app owned by TikTok’s parent company ByteDance, will restrict users to over 16 starting next week. The eSafety Commission is monitoring Lemon8 closely and may add it to the ban. Wells warned that some kids might still be online despite the ban but said the government wants to send a clear message to parents and children. The eSafety Commission will request data from platforms after December 11 to check their efforts. “The government recognises that age assurance may require several days or even weeks to complete fairly and accurately,” Wells said. The government also said it is ready to extend restrictions to other platforms if needed. Wells stated, "If everybody ends up on LinkedIn, and LinkedIn becomes a place where there is online bullying... then we will go after LinkedIn." She also promised not to back down against any challenges from big tech firms regarding the ban.