Australia’s government has reported that more than 4.7 million social media accounts belonging to minors under the age of 16 have been closed since a new ban came into effect on December 10, 2025.
The action was taken by social media platforms in the days following the enforcement of the measure, according to the latest data released by the Office of the eSafety Commissioner. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese acknowledged that changes would not happen overnight, but said early results suggest that the intervention was necessary.
The government did not disclose how many accounts were disabled on individual platforms, which include TikTok, X, YouTube, and seven other online services covered by the ban. Under Australia’s new law, companies that fail to comply could face fines of up to AUD 49.5 million.
Before the ban, government figures showed that 86% of Australian children aged 8 to 15 were active on social media platforms.
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Insights
What are the origins of Australia's ban on social media accounts for minors?
What technical principles underpin the enforcement of this ban?
What is the current status of social media account closures in Australia?
What feedback have users given regarding the new social media regulations?
What trends are emerging in the social media industry following the ban?
What recent updates have been made concerning the enforcement of the ban?
What policy changes have occurred since the ban was implemented?
What is the future outlook for social media regulations in Australia?
What long-term impacts might the ban have on minors' social media usage?
What challenges do social media platforms face in complying with the new law?
What are the core controversies surrounding the ban on minors' accounts?
How do the fines for non-compliance compare across different countries?
What historical cases provide context for this ban on social media accounts?
How does this ban compare to similar regulations in other countries?
What implications does this ban have for the future of social media platforms?
