‘Shocked at how easy it is:’ Snapchat failing to stop teen users – AFR

Jan 20, 2026 – 6.04pm Snapchat is proving to be a problem for the government’s landmark teen social media ban, with families saying it is too easy to bypass its age restrictions, as Australia’s eSafety Commissioner said parents needed to play a role in making the changes work. On Tuesday, eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant, who is responsible for the stewardship of the government’s laws, said she remained encouraged by the number of deactivated accounts provided confidentially to her office by the age-restricted platforms, but that it would take time for the ban to become more effective. Paul Smith edits the technology coverage and has been a leading writer on the sector for 20 years. He covers big tech, business use of tech, the fast-growing Australian tech industry and start-ups, telecommunications and national innovation policy. Subscribe to gift this article Gift 5 articles to anyone you choose each month when you subscribe. Subscribe now Already a subscriber?
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