Australia Implements Landmark Social Media Ban for Under-16s

On December 10, 2025, Australia enacted a groundbreaking law prohibiting children under the age of 16 from using major social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Snapchat, and Reddit. This legislation, known as the Online Safety Amendment Act 2024, mandates that social media companies take "reasonable steps" to prevent underage users from accessing their services or face fines of up to 49.5 million Australian dollars (approximately $33 million). The law has since resulted in the deactivation of nearly 5 million accounts believed to belong to underage users.

TRT WorldEngadgetMeta deletes 544,000 accounts – but says Australia’s under-16 social media ban is not workingMeta urges Australia to reconsider under-16 social media ban

In the first month following the ban, the Australian government reported that over 4.7 million accounts had been deactivated or removed. Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, alone reported blocking approximately 550,000 accounts across its platforms. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese praised the initial compliance efforts, stating, “It’s encouraging that social media companies are making meaningful efforts to comply with laws and keep kids off their platforms.” However, many teenagers have reported circumventing the ban by lying about their age or using alternative platforms not covered by the law.

EngadgetMeta deletes 544,000 accounts – but says Australia’s under-16 social media ban is not workingThe GuardianThe Guardian

Despite the apparent success in account removals, critics argue that the ban may not effectively protect children. The shadow communications minister, Melissa McIntosh, expressed concerns that many under-16 accounts remain active and that children are migrating to less regulated platforms. Additionally, Reddit has launched a legal challenge against the Australian government, claiming the ban infringes on young people's freedom of speech and limits their access to age-appropriate community discussions.

BBC News

Meta has expressed its commitment to complying with the law but has urged the Australian government to reconsider the blanket ban. The company argues that a more effective approach would involve industry-wide age verification and parental consent mechanisms at the app store level. Meta stated, “We call on the Australian government to engage with industry constructively to find a better way forward, such as incentivizing all of industry to raise the standard in providing safe, privacy-preserving, age-appropriate experiences online.”

Meta urges Australia to reconsider under-16 social media ban

While the government has reported significant account deactivations, experts caution that these figures do not necessarily indicate improved safety for young users. Concerns have been raised about the effectiveness of age verification methods, with some suggesting that the ban may simply push teens to less regulated corners of the internet. A study from the UK found no evidence linking social media use to increased anxiety or depression among teenagers, raising questions about the necessity of such a ban.

Meta urges Australia to reconsider under-16 social media ban

As Australia’s social media ban continues to unfold, other countries, including the UK and France, are considering similar measures. The UK Labour government has received significant public support for a comparable ban, while France is preparing legislation to restrict social media access for children under 15. The ongoing debate surrounding the effectiveness and implications of Australia’s law will likely influence global discussions on child safety in the digital age.

The Guardian