In a landmark move, social media platforms in Australia have deactivated nearly 4.7 million accounts belonging to users under 16, just a month after the country introduced a world-first age restriction law, according to the national internet regulator.
The eSafety Commissioner confirmed that platforms have removed these accounts to comply with the law, which came into effect on December 10, 2025.
“This is working,” said Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at a press briefing. “This is a proud moment for Australia. The legislation set a global precedent, and now other countries are following our lead.”
The ban has drawn international attention, with France, Malaysia, and Indonesia announcing plans for similar regulations, and several European nations and US states considering comparable measures.
The government’s figures mark the first insight into compliance, showing platforms are taking serious steps to adhere to the law. Companies face fines of up to A$49.5 million ($33 million) for violations, though children and their parents are not held accountable.
The number of accounts removed far exceeds prior estimates, amounting to more than two accounts for every Australian aged 10 to 16. Meta alone reported removing around 550,000 underage accounts across Instagram, Facebook, and Threads.
Other platforms affected include YouTube, TikTok, Snapchat, and X (formerly Twitter). Reddit has said it is complying but is challenging the ban in court; the government has pledged to defend the legislation.
Critics have warned enforcement may be challenging. eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant said some underage accounts remain active and it is too early to confirm full compliance. “No safety law can stop every violation,” she noted. “If it could, speed limits would prevent all speeding, and alcohol laws would prevent all underage drinking.”
Prior to the rollout, some smaller social media apps saw a surge in downloads in Australia, though eSafety reported these spikes did not lead to sustained usage.
A long-term study in collaboration with mental health experts will track the ban’s impact on children and teens in the coming years.
