Several social media platforms have removed access for approximately 4.7 million profiles identified as belonging to children in Australia, following the country’s ban on social media use for individuals under 16 years old.
This historic measure came into effect in December to address concerns about potentially harmful online environments for young people.
Minister for Communications, Anika Wells, stated that the government faced significant criticism and challenges from major tech companies, but now Australian parents can be confident that their children can enjoy childhood without the influence of social media.
Under Australian law, platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X, YouTube, Snapchat, Reddit, Threads, Kick, and Twitch face fines of up to AUD 49.5 million if they fail to remove users under the age of 16. To verify users’ ages, platforms may request identification documents, use age-assessment technology, or infer age from other available data.
Online safety commissioner, Julie Inman Grant, explained that the measures aim to prevent social media companies from accessing children. She added that the top ten platforms subject to the ban have complied with the law and reported the required data on time.
While the move has received support from parents and child safety organizations, online privacy activists and some youth groups have criticized it, arguing that the ban may push children to less regulated platforms or limit access to communities where they feel supported.
Australia’s law banning social media use for children under 16 is considered a historic step in protecting young people online and has sparked discussions in other countries about implementing similar measures.
