Australia has revealed that almost 5 million teen accounts have been deleted by social media platforms.
It has been one month since Australia enforced the world's strictest social media rules for children by banning such platforms for those under the age of 16, and during that time, social media companies have removed almost five million accounts held by minors.
The country's internet regulator said on Thursday that social media companies have removed around 4.7 million accounts held by under-16s to comply with the law, which came into effect on December 10.
The data released on Thursday is an early indication that major platforms are taking meaningful actions to prevent under-16s from holding accounts, the eSafety Commissioner said.
“I am very pleased with these preliminary results,” eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant said.
“It is clear that eSafety’s regulatory guidance and engagement with platforms is already delivering significant outcomes.”
The figures are the first government data on compliance and suggest tech companies are taking significant steps to adhere to the rules.
Other countries, such as Denmark, are already eyeing similar laws. The Nordic country announced in November it had secured an agreement to block access to social media for anyone under 15 – a move that could potentially become law by mid-2026.
Do the rules work?
Rather than hold parents or children accountable, the rules mean platforms face fines of up to A$49.5 million (V27 million) for serious or repeated breaches of allowing under-16 users.
Grant acknowledged reports that some under-16s accounts remain active, adding that it was too early to determine whether there is full compliance by platforms; however, she noted early signs were encouraging.
“While some kids may find creative ways to stay on social media, it’s important to remember that just like other safety laws we have in society, success is measured by reduction in harm and in re-setting cultural norms,” she said.
What has been the impact?
Grant said that three of the country's largest age assurance providers said Australia’s implementation of the social media minimum age has been "relatively smooth".
But she said the real impact of the ban won’t be measured in weeks or months but will likely be generational.
“We are still at the very beginning of this journey, and it is evident platforms are taking different approaches based on their individual circumstances, resulting in variations in the data and outcomes currently surfaced,” Grant said.
“Of course, while some positive changes will be clearly evident today, some of [the] longer-term normative changes and related positive impacts on Australian children and families may take years to fully manifest."
