Australia’s eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant has declared that social media companies are reluctantly enforcing a ban on users under 16, describing their compliance as coming ‘kicking and screaming.’ Since the policy took effect in December, millions of child accounts have been shut down, with the regulator calling it a success despite industry pushback.
Australia implemented the landmark social media ban to protect children from harmful content and algorithms on platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok. The government and advocacy groups argue it is necessary for online safety, with other nations such as the UK closely watching and considering similar legislation. In a recent update, authorities reported that 4.7 million accounts identified as belonging to minors have been deactivated, exceeding initial expectations.
Inman Grant emphasized that social media firms view children as a highly lucrative market and are resistant to the ban because they fear it could inspire other countries to follow suit. She noted that companies like Meta agree on the need for safety measures but prefer alternatives to a blanket ban, such as age verification at the app store level. The commissioner acknowledged the ongoing tension, stating that regulators must navigate a ‘dance’ with tech companies that dislike regulation.
Contrary to early criticisms, data suggests that under-16s are not simply migrating to other platforms after the ban. While there was an initial surge in downloads of alternative apps, no sustained increase in usage has been recorded. However, some children are finding ways to bypass the restrictions, with Snapchat emerging as a particular concern. Inman Grant announced that a second round of concerns notices is being issued, focusing on Snapchat’s compliance, and firms face fines up to A$49.5 million for failures.
The eSafety office is also working with international partners, including the UK, to combat the spread of terrorist violent content on social media. Inman Grant cited a case where a perpetrator accessed graphic footage on X before an attack, illustrating how such material can desensitize and radicalize young users. Australia’s ban is notable for setting the age limit at 16 without parental approval exemptions, making it the strictest of its kind globally.
Ten major platforms are currently subject to the ban: Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Threads, TikTok, X, YouTube, Reddit, and streaming services Kick and Twitch. Exemptions include dating sites, gaming platforms like Roblox and Discord, and AI chatbots, which have recently faced scrutiny for unsafe interactions with minors. Social media companies continue to resist, with Reddit mounting a legal challenge over privacy concerns, though the government remains steadfast.
Communications Minister Anika Wells has vowed that Australia will not be swayed by legal threats from big tech, affirming commitment to protecting children. As the policy enters its second month, researchers are closely monitoring its impact on youth behavior. Inman Grant described the regulatory approach as dynamic, emphasizing the need for ongoing adaptation to ensure long-term online safety in an evolving digital landscape.
