Social media platforms have deactivated approximately 4.7 million accounts belonging to children under 16 in Australia during the first month of a landmark ban that went into effect in mid-December 2025, according to figures released by the country’s eSafety Commissioner on January 15, 2026.
The law, a world-first, requires 10 major platforms, including Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, Reddit, TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), Threads, YouTube, Twitch, and Kick, to take “reasonable steps” to prevent users under 16 from accessing their services. Non-compliance could result in fines of up to 49.5 million Australian dollars (about $33 million).
Enacted amid concerns over the impact of social media on young people’s mental health, the ban mandates companies to verify user ages and remove underage accounts. The eSafety Commissioner reported the data after platforms submitted compliance updates in December.
Governments worldwide are monitoring the rollout, with some U.S. states considering similar measures. Australian officials touted the figures as evidence of early success, though critics argue the ban could drive underage users to unregulated platforms or limit free expression.
