Australia
Australia's under-16 social media ban took effect on 10 December 2025, requiring covered platforms to prevent under-16s from holding accounts. In June 2026 the government moved to double fines amid evidence children were bypassing the ban.
Where is Snapchat blocked?
Snapchat is blocked, restricted or age-gated in 11 countries and territories — 6 complete bans and 5 age-verification requirements in total.
Brazil
Brazil's Digital Statute of Children and Adolescents (ECA Digital, Law 15,211/2025) took effect on 17 March 2026. Social media accounts for users under 16 must be linked to a legal guardian, and platforms must use reliable age verification — self-declaration alone is not allowed.
Eritrea
Gabon
Gabon's Ordinance No. 0011/PR/2026 (signed 26 February 2026; published 8 April 2026) sets a digital age of majority of 16 and requires parental consent for under-16 social media access. Platforms must verify users with more than an age or ID check alone — name, address and Personal Identification Number (NIP) — ending online anonymity. Operators have a 12-month transition period, with full compliance expected by February 2027.
Islamic Republic of Iran
Snapchat is blocked in Islamic Republic of Iran as part of the country's extensive internet censorship system.
North Korea
People's Republic of China
Russia
Roskomnadzor blocked Snapchat in October 2025, accusing it of use for terrorist activity and fraud, as part of a wider crackdown on foreign platforms.
Turkmenistan
Türkiye
Türkiye's parliament passed a law in April 2026 banning social media services for children under 15 and requiring platforms to implement age-verification systems and parental control tools for older minors. The law takes effect six months after publication in the Official Gazette, with full compliance expected in late 2026. A separate e-government (e-Devlet) real-ID login scheme for all users was still a draft as of April 2026.
United Arab Emirates
United Arab Emirates Cabinet resolution (announced 18 June 2026) bars children under 15 from creating, using or operating personal social media accounts. Platforms must use robust age-verification — including digital identity and AI-supported checks; self-declaration alone is not accepted — with enhanced safeguards for users aged 15 to under 16. Phase one covers X, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and TikTok. Platforms have a 12-month transition, with full compliance expected by June 2027.
Data updated:
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