Australia Enforces World-First Social Media Ban for Children Under 16

Australia has introduced a world-first law banning social media accounts for children under 16, requiring major platforms to report deactivations. Failure to comply could result in fines up to AUD 49.5 million ($32.9 million), marking a major step in child online safety and drawing global attention.

Australia Enforces World-First Social Media Ban for Children Under 16: Platforms Must Report or Face Hefty Fines

Australia has taken a historic step in digital safety, introducing a world-first law banning social media accounts for children under 16. The law requires major platforms to report the number of accounts removed, with failure to comply potentially attracting fines up to 49.5 million Australian dollars ($32.9 million).

The move has drawn global attention, with several countries considering similar restrictions to protect children from social media risks.

Major Platforms Asked to Report Child Account Removals

Australian authorities on Thursday issued a directive to some of the world's biggest social media platforms, asking them to report the number of accounts deactivated since the ban on users under 16 came into effect.

Platforms including Facebook, Instagram, Kick, Reddit, Snapchat, Threads, TikTok, X, YouTube, and Twitch confirmed they would comply with the new law, Communications Minister Anika Wells said.

"But the tech companies' responses to eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant's first demand for data will likely indicate their commitment to ridding their platforms of young children," Wells added.

How Platforms Must Comply

Wells explained, "Today the eSafety Commissioner will write to all 10 platforms who are considered age-restricted social media platforms and she will ask them … what were your numbers of under 16 accounts on Dec. 9; what are your numbers today on Dec. 11?"

The eSafety Commissioner will publish the platforms’ responses within two weeks. Platforms are required to provide monthly updates for six months to ensure ongoing compliance.

Platforms failing to take reasonable steps to remove Australian children under 16 risk fines reaching 49.5 million Australian dollars ($32.9 million).

Global Attention on Australia's Law

Wells highlighted that the European Commission, France, Denmark, Greece, Romania, Indonesia, Malaysia, and New Zealand are evaluating similar laws restricting children’s access to social media.

"There's been a huge amount of global interest and we welcome it, and we welcome all of the allies who are joining Australia to take action in this space to draw a line to say enough's enough," Wells said.

Legal Challenges Expected

Sydney-based rights group Digital Freedom Project plans to challenge the law on constitutional grounds in the Australian High Court early next year.

Inman Grant noted that some platforms had consulted lawyers and might wait to receive their first compulsory information notice or fine before pursuing a legal challenge.

Ensuring Genuine Compliance

Inman Grant warned that some platforms could attempt minimal compliance, using age verification and estimation technologies poorly.

"That could be a strategy that they have in and of themselves: we'll say we're complying but then we'll do a crappy job using these technologies and we'll let people get through and have people claim it's a failure," she told the Australian Broadcasting Corp.

Children’s Social Media Usage in Australia

Research conducted by Inman Grant revealed that 84% of Australian children aged 8-12 have accessed social media accounts. Among these, 90% accessed platforms with the help of their parents, mainly to avoid exclusion.

"What this legislation does … is it takes away that fear of exclusion," Inman Grant said.

What This Means for Social Media Companies

The new law marks a significant push for child safety online, requiring platforms to implement robust age verification measures and to actively monitor and remove underage users.

Australia’s enforcement is likely to set a precedent, potentially influencing global digital safety regulations in the coming years.