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Australia’s landmark ban on social media use for children under 16 has shown immediate impact, with millions of teen accounts deactivated within just one month of enforcement.
Nearly 4.7 million social media accounts belonging to Australian teenagers have been deactivated in the first month since Australia introduced a world-first ban on under-16s using social media, according to the country’s internet regulator.
The eSafety Commissioner confirmed on Friday that platforms removed the accounts to comply with the law, which came into effect on December 10. The legislation places responsibility on social media companies, not children or parents, and allows for penalties of up to A$49.5 million for non-compliance.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese hailed the early results, calling the move a success.
“This is working,” he said. “This was world-leading legislation, and it is now being followed around the world.”
The ban is being closely watched internationally. France, Malaysia and Indonesia have already announced plans to introduce similar restrictions, while several European countries and U.S. states are considering comparable measures.
The figures mark the first official government data on enforcement and far exceed earlier estimates, amounting to more than two accounts per Australian aged 10 to 16. Meta previously reported removing around 550,000 underage accounts across Instagram, Facebook and Threads before the law took effect.
The rules apply to major platforms including YouTube, TikTok, Snapchat and X, while Reddit has said it is complying but is also challenging the law in court. The Australian government has stated it will defend the legislation.
Despite the strong initial numbers, critics argue the ban will be difficult to fully enforce. eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant acknowledged that some underage accounts remain active and said it was too early to claim complete compliance.
“We don’t expect safety laws to eliminate every breach,” she said, comparing the situation to speed limits and alcohol restrictions.
Regulators are also monitoring whether teenagers are shifting to smaller or alternative platforms. While some apps saw a spike in downloads before the ban began, authorities say this has not yet led to sustained usage.
A long-term study involving mental health experts will now track the social and psychological effects of the ban over several years.
