Australia’s internet regulator has revealed that social media platforms have collectively removed around 4.7 million accounts belonging to teenagers under the age of 16, just one month after the country implemented the world’s first nationwide ban on under-16s using social media. The figures highlight the swift and far-reaching impact of the landmark legislation.
The data was released by eSafety, Australia’s online safety watchdog, which said the removals were carried out in compliance with the law that came into force on December 10.
The law places responsibility on social media companies to enforce age restrictions, with penalties of up to AU$49.5 million (US$33 million) for non-compliance, while exempting children and their parents from any legal liability, according to news agencies.
Several platforms have confirmed that account removals began in the weeks leading up to the law’s enforcement deadline, indicating early and active compliance efforts.
The 4.7 million figure represents the first official government data on enforcement and exceeds earlier estimates, which were based largely on population statistics rather than platform-reported action.
The announcement follows earlier disclosures from Meta, which said it had removed approximately 550,000 accounts belonging to minors across Instagram, Facebook and Threads.
Australian authorities say the latest figures demonstrate that platforms are taking “significant steps” to meet their legal obligations under the new framework.
Australia’s under-16 social media ban has drawn global attention, with governments in several countries closely watching its implementation as they consider similar measures to protect children online.
