Australia has taken a world-first step to protect children online by implementing a law banning social media accounts for users under 16. The new legislation, which took effect on Wednesday, requires major platforms to report how many underage accounts have been deactivated, signaling a major shift in global internet regulation.
Social Media Platforms Affected by the Ban
The ban affects some of the largest social media platforms globally, including:
- Kick
- Snapchat
- Threads
- TikTok
- X
- YouTube
- Twitch
Communications Minister Anika Wells confirmed that all platforms have agreed to comply with the law, but authorities will monitor their actions closely.
Reporting Requirements and Fines
The eSafety Commissioner, Julie Inman Grant, has demanded that the platforms provide data on under-16 accounts. Companies must report:
- Number of under-16 accounts on December 9, 2025
- Current number of under-16 accounts on December 11, 2025
These reports will be published within two weeks, and platforms are required to submit monthly updates for six months.
Failure to comply could result in fines of up to 49.5 million Australian dollars ($32.9 million USD) per violation. This strict enforcement underscores Australia’s commitment to child online safety.
Global Interest in Australia’s Legislation
Minister Wells highlighted that the law has attracted international attention. Countries such as France, Denmark, Greece, Romania, Indonesia, Malaysia, and New Zealand are reportedly considering similar restrictions for minors on social media.
“There’s been a huge amount of global interest and we welcome it,” Wells said. “Allies are joining Australia to take action and say enough is enough when it comes to children online.”
Potential Legal Challenges
The law is expected to face legal scrutiny. The Sydney-based Digital Freedom Project plans to challenge the legislation on constitutional grounds in the Australian High Court early next year.
Inman Grant warned that some platforms might attempt to bypass the law by performing poorly on age verification and age estimation technologies. “That could be a strategy in itself: we’ll say we’re complying but let children slip through,” she told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.
Prevalence of Social Media Use Among Australian Children
Research by Inman Grant’s office shows that 84% of Australian children aged 8-12 have accessed a social media account. Among these, 90% used their parents’ assistance to create accounts, mainly due to fear of exclusion.
“This legislation removes that fear of exclusion,” Inman Grant said. “Children can now have safer online experiences without being pressured to join platforms prematurely.”
Conclusion
Australia’s pioneering under-16 social media ban represents a bold move to protect minors from online risks while holding tech giants accountable. With strict reporting requirements, significant fines, and global attention, this law could set a precedent for child safety regulations worldwide.
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