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Australia’s eSafety Commissioner, Julie Inman Grant, says the country’s new teen social media ban marks a turning point in global efforts to regulate Big Tech, as major platforms including Instagram, Facebook, and Threads begin restricting under-16 users ahead of the December 10 enforcement date. The policy requires social media companies to block users under 16 or face fines of up to A$49.5 million (US$33 million).
Grant acknowledged she was initially wary of what she called a “blunt-force” approach, but she now supports the age-based ban after seeing minimal impact from previous regulatory measures. She emphasized that young users are especially vulnerable to manipulative design features and data-harvesting practices, noting that even adults struggle to navigate these systems. With more than 96% of Australian teens under 16 active on social media—over one million young users—she said stronger protections were overdue.
Global governments are closely watching how the Australian law unfolds, with Grant describing the move as the “first domino” in broader tech regulation efforts. Despite a year of resistance, platforms owned by Meta, TikTok, Snapchat, and YouTube have agreed to comply. Meta began disabling underage accounts this week, according to screenshots reviewed by Reuters, while other platforms are notifying young users to save their photos and contacts before choosing to delete their accounts or reactivate them upon turning 16.
Parents like Sydney resident Jennifer Jennison have welcomed the shift, saying it eases pressure on families and may help reduce mental health issues linked to excessive online use. She expressed hope that her children would benefit from less digital distraction, allowing them to relax and spend more time with family after school.
This landmark policy positions Australia at the forefront of a global push to strengthen online safety for minors while challenging social media giants to rethink youth engagement practices.
