Australia has begun enforcing a ban on social media for under-16s, starting with Meta platforms. Instagram, Facebook, and Threads have started deactivating accounts ahead of the December 10 deadline. The move signals a global push to regulate Big Tech and protect children online.
The eSafety Commissioner, Julie Inman Grant, said the law is the first domino in worldwide social media regulation. She initially worried about the “blunt-force” ban but embraced it after incremental measures failed. Platforms will face fines up to A$49.5 million ($33 million) if they do not comply.
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Meta, TikTok, Snap, and YouTube have all announced compliance. Under the new law, platforms are contacting underage users to download photos and contacts or freeze their accounts until they turn 16. Around one million Australian teens under 16 are affected.
Parents and experts welcomed the move, citing mental health benefits. Jennifer Jennison, a Sydney mother, said the ban gives children time to rest and engage with family after school. Inman Grant emphasized that harmful design features make children particularly vulnerable online.
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The law has drawn international attention, with U.S. authorities reportedly requesting Inman Grant to testify on extra-territorial free speech concerns. Governments around the world are watching closely, and Australia’s approach may set a global precedent for social media regulation.