How to bypass Facebook’s age verification in Australia 2026

As of December 4th, 2025, Australia has become the first country to enforce a nationwide social media ban for minors. This new policy prevents anyone under 16 from having a Facebook account, along with other major social media platforms.

The most reliable way to get around these restrictions is by using a VPN. It masks your real IP address and makes it appear as if you’re browsing from outside Australia, allowing uninterrupted access to Facebook without age verification. Read on to learn how to use a VPN to avoid age verification on Facebook in Australia or anywhere else.

How to bypass Facebook’s age verification in Australia with a VPN

Age verification systems have been shown to be easy to bypass with VPNs. Here’s how:

1. Get a reliable VPN, I recommend Proton VPN, now with a 70% discount
2. Install the VPN on your device
3. Open the app and connect to a server outside Australia
4. Go to Facebook and scroll without age verification

Access Facebook without age verification with Proton VPN

Why does Australia require age verification for Facebook?

Australia’s social media ban for minors under 16 includes the most popular social media platforms, Facebook among them. This doesn’t just affect minors – all users in Australia have to prove they’re over 16 to maintain their Facebook accounts or to create new ones.

To verify your age, you will most likely have to submit a photo of your ID or passport, then send a selfie or a video of your face. That process gives platforms access to sensitive information, such as your full name, date of birth, and identification number, which could be used against you if it ends up in the wrong hands.

This is made worse by the fact that most platforms use third-party age verification services to handle your data, some of which have already been breached. Not wanting to provide such sensitive information to keep using social media is not a big ask, and VPNs can help you maintain your privacy online.

Is it legal to use a VPN to bypass Facebook’s age verification in Australia?

It’s completely legal to use VPNs in Australia. That being said, using them to bypass the age verification system falls into somewhat of a grey area when it comes to Australia’s new social media ban, so use it with caution.

How to bypass Facebook’s age verification in Australia: step-by-step guide

Below, I’ve prepared a step-by-step guide on how to bypass age verification on Facebook anywhere. Have a look.

1. Choose a trusted VPN. Preferably one that has a lot of servers outside of Australia, follows a no-logs policy, and has been tested to bypass age verification. I chose Proton VPN for this guide.
2. Install the VPN on your preferred device. Proton VPN supports all major platforms and has loads of browser extensions.
3. Connect to a server outside Australia. Select a server in a country without age verification laws. Ideally, it should be close to your actual location for better speed and overall performance
4. Open your browser and go to Facebook. I don’t recommend using the app as it will most likely know your real location due to geo-technology.

Unblock Facebook with Proton VPN

Wrapping up

Since Australia introduced a social media ban for minors under the age of 16, all users must verify their age before accessing Facebook and other popular social media platforms. Verifying your age usually requires submitting your ID or other sensitive information, which raises loads of privacy concerns.

The most simple way to access Facebook without age verification and maintain your privacy is to use a VPN. It changes your IP address to make it look as if you are outside Australia, granting you easy access to Facebook and other social media apps. Proton VPN is my top recommendation because it’s highly secure, privacy-friendly, and affordable.

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