Australia’s groundbreaking social media prohibition for users under 16 has achieved remarkable early results according to the nation’s internet regulator, with millions of accounts already removed since its December implementation. eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant revealed to the BBC that social media platforms have demonstrated significant resistance to the policy, fearing it might establish a global precedent that other nations could emulate.
The comprehensive ban, which targets ten major platforms including Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Threads, TikTok, X, YouTube, Reddit, Kick, and Twitch, represents the world’s most stringent youth protection legislation. Unlike similar measures elsewhere, Australia’s framework notably excludes parental approval exemptions, setting a new benchmark for digital child safety regulations.
Government data indicates substantial compliance, with approximately 4.7 million accounts identified as belonging to minors already deactivated. Commissioner Inman Grant characterized children as an “incredibly lucrative” demographic for social media corporations, noting that platforms originally designed for adults incorporate addictive features that make youth protection particularly challenging.
Despite initial concerns about potential migration to alternative platforms or circumvention through age verification manipulation, early monitoring data suggests these scenarios have not materialized significantly. The regulatory body maintains a vigilant stance, preparing to issue additional compliance notices to companies including Snapchat, with non-compliance carrying potential penalties reaching A$49.5 million.
The international community watches closely as the United Kingdom considers parallel legislation, with the House of Lords recently endorsing similar restrictions through amendments to educational legislation. While technology firms like Meta acknowledge the need for enhanced youth protection measures, they contest the blanket ban approach, advocating instead for app store-level age verification systems.
Legal challenges have emerged, with Reddit mounting a constitutional challenge in Australia’s High Court despite complying with the regulations, arguing the policy infringes upon privacy and political rights. The government remains resolute, with Communications Minister Anika Wells affirming that Australia “will not be intimidated by big tech” in protecting children’s digital wellbeing.