Australia’s world-first law banning social media accounts for people under the age of 16 has dramatically reshaped the digital landscape, with more than 4.7 million accounts identified as belonging to under-16 users deactivated, removed, or restricted by major platforms since the ban took effect on December 10, 2025.
The landmark law, an amendment to the Online Safety Act 2021, requires major social media companies — including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, YouTube, X, Reddit, Threads, Twitch, and Kick — to take “reasonable steps” to prevent Australians under 16 from having or using accounts. Platforms that fail to comply face fines of up to 49.5 million Australian dollars (around US $33 million).
Australia’s eSafety Commissioner reported that this wave of account closures came in the first weeks after enforcement began, exceeding initial estimates. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called the figures a “huge achievement” and evidence that platforms are making a meaningful effort to comply with the new rules. Communications Minister Anika Wells echoed that sentiment, saying the policy was already having a positive impact.
Despite the early results, experts caution it’s too soon to determine how many under-16s have actually stopped using social media, as young users can hold multiple accounts or potentially seek workarounds through age-verification gaps. Platforms and regulators are expected to continue refining age-screening systems to better ensure compliance over time.
The controversial measure has drawn mixed reactions: parents and child safety advocates generally support it as a way to protect children from harmful online environments, while some privacy and youth groups argue it may push teens to less regulated apps or raise issues around digital inclusion and enforcement.
Australia’s approach is now being watched internationally, with some other countries considering similar restrictions as governments grapple with concerns over social media’s effects on young people.