Australia’s move to bar children under-16 from major social media platforms is already reshaping the digital landscape, with early enforcement data showing large-scale account removals just weeks after the law came into force. The policy, which began on December 10, is the first of its kind globally and is being closely watched by governments and regulators around the world as they consider similar measures.
Now, according to an agency report, social media companies have deactivated nearly five million accounts linked to Australian teenagers in the first month of the under-16 ban, according to figures released by the country’s internet regulator.
The eSafety Commissioner said platforms had removed about 4.7 million accounts to comply with the new law. “Today, we can announce that this is working,” Prime Minister Anthony Albanese reportedly told a news conference. “This is a source of Australian pride. This was world leading legislation, but it is now being followed up around the world.”
The figures mark the first government data on compliance and suggest platforms are taking significant steps to meet the law, which carries fines of up to A$49.5 million ($33 million) for non-compliance but does not penalize children or parents.
According to the report, the number far exceeds earlier estimates and equals more than two accounts for every Australian aged 10 to 16. Meta previously said it removed about 550,000 underage accounts from Instagram, Facebook and Threads. The rule also applies to YouTube, TikTok, Snapchat and X. Reddit has said it is complying but is suing the government to overturn the ban, which authorities say they will defend.
Critics have argued the ban will be hard to enforce — eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant said some underage accounts remain active and it is too early to declare full compliance. “We don’t expect safety laws to eliminate every single breach. If we did, speed limits would have failed because people speed, drinking limits would have failed because, believe it or not, some kids do get access to alcohol,” she was quoted as saying.
All companies initially covered by the ban have said they will comply. Some smaller social media apps reported a surge in downloads ahead of the December rollout, but eSafety said the early spikes did not lead to sustained use and that migration trends would be monitored.
France, Malaysia and Indonesia have said they will introduce similar laws, while some European nations and US states are also considering following Australia’s lead. A long-term study with mental health experts will track the impact of the ban over several years.
Also Read: Why Australia’s Social Media Ban for Kids Under 16 is ‘Progressive Step’? https://www.vibesofindia.com/why-australias-social-media-ban-for-kids-under-16-is-progressive-step/
