July 2025 Talking Points Relating To The Work Of The Digital Platforms, Safety And Classification Division

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This document contains talking points prepared by the Digital Platforms, Safety and Classification Division regarding the social media minimum age framework introduced through amendments to the Online Safety Act 2021 in November 2024. The framework requires age-restricted platforms to prevent users under 16 from having accounts, with the Minister for Communications holding rule-making powers to refine the definition of affected platforms. Key protections include prohibiting mandatory use of government identification for age verification, with platforms required to offer reasonable alternatives, and strict privacy controls on data collected for compliance purposes. The framework establishes maximum penalties of $49.5 million for corporate breaches and increases penalties for industry code violations. On 29 July 2025, the Minister issued the Online Safety (Age-Restricted Social Media Platforms) Rules 2025 to exclude certain services deemed lower-risk or essential for communication, education, and health. The Rules were informed by consultation with over 100 stakeholders including industry