t\u2019s the end of an era for young Aussie Snapchatters. The countdown has begun, and from December 10, thousands of under-16 users will find themselves locked out of their favourite app. The world-first social media ban is coming, and Snapchat, whether it likes it or not, is now on board.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In a move that\u2019s stirred debate among parents, teenagers, and privacy experts alike, Snapchat has confirmed it will start disabling accounts belonging to Australians under the age of 16. The company says it \u201cstrongly disagrees\u201d with its inclusion in the government\u2019s ban, but it\u2019s following the law nonetheless.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Starting this week, the app will begin asking users suspected of being underage to verify their age. Teenagers will need to prove they\u2019re 16 or older using one of three methods: an official photo ID, ConnectID verification through a participating bank, or facial age estimation technology provided by k-ID. Those who can\u2019t verify will be permanently locked out by December 10.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Snapchat has long maintained that it\u2019s not like the other social media platforms\u2014it sees itself as a private space for messaging, not mass sharing. \u201cSnapchat is and has always been a visual messaging app, primarily used for connection with your closest friends and family<\/em>,\u201d a company spokesperson said to 9News<\/a>. Still, it admitted that it was \u201cdeeply saddened\u201d that young Australians would lose access to that social connection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n