Australia has hit a major milestone with its world-first ban on social media accounts for under-16s. Just over a month after the law went live on December 10, 2025, the eSafety Commissioner reports nearly 4.7 million accounts have been deactivated. 🚀
"This is working," said Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. "This is a source of Australian pride."
The measure covers all major platforms: Meta's Instagram, Facebook and Threads, Google's YouTube, TikTok, Snapchat and X (formerly Twitter). Even Reddit is complying—though it's challenging the ban in court.
Platforms risk fines up to A$49.5 million for non-compliance, and they've acted fast: the number of removed accounts is more than double the estimated under-16 population in Australia. Meta alone took down around 550,000 underage profiles.
Some critics warn enforcement isn't perfect—Julie Inman Grant, the eSafety Commissioner, noted a few underage accounts are still active. But she argues "no law can stop every single breach," comparing it to speed or drinking limits.
Across the globe, regulators are watching closely. France, Malaysia, Indonesia and several European nations plan similar rules, while some U.S. states are in talks. A multi-year study with mental health experts will track how the ban affects teen wellbeing.
For now, Australia's bold experiment in digital safety is rolling out in real time. Whether it sparks a global shift remains to be seen, but the message is clear: protecting young users online is top of mind. 🌐🔒
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
