Did Australia Deactivate Over 4.7 Million Child Accounts Under Its Social Media Ban?
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Synopsis
Australia's innovative social media ban for children has led to the deactivation of over 4.7 million accounts. This significant move aims to protect children from the pressures of social media. Prime Minister Albanese applauds the compliance efforts of social media companies, marking a pivotal step towards redefining online safety for minors. Discover the implications of this change.
Key Takeaways
- Over 4.7 million child accounts deactivated.
- Compliance from social media companies is essential.
- Fines for non-compliance can reach 49.5 million AUD.
- Government aims to protect children from online risks.
- Social media platforms include Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok.
Canberra, Jan 16 (NationPress) In the initial days following Australia's groundbreaking social media ban for individuals under the age of 16, over 4.7 million accounts associated with children were deactivated, as reported by the federal government on Friday.
Information provided by the eSafety commissioner indicated that social media platforms removed access to approximately 4.7 million accounts identified as belonging to minors under 16 shortly after the ban was enforced on December 10.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed optimism regarding the compliance efforts of social media companies, stating, "It is encouraging to see a meaningful effort being made to adhere to the ban."
He further emphasized, "Change doesn't occur instantly. However, these early indications demonstrate the significance of our actions to facilitate this transformation."
eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant expressed satisfaction with the preliminary outcomes but acknowledged reports of some accounts belonging to children still being active.
"While some children may find innovative ways to remain on social media, it’s crucial to understand that, akin to other safety regulations in our society, the success of this initiative is measured by a reduction in harm and a shift in cultural norms," she stated.
The government did not disclose how many accounts were deactivated on each of the 10 platforms affected by the ban, which includes TikTok, X, and YouTube.
Meta announced on Monday that it had deactivated over 544,000 accounts across its platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and Threads, as of December 11.
Under legislation passed by the federal parliament in 2024, social media companies that do not take adequate measures to enforce the ban could face fines up to 49.5 million Australian dollars (approximately $33.17 million).
On December 10, Australia's pioneering social media ban for users under 16 was implemented, requiring ten major platforms, such as Facebook, YouTube, TikTok, and X, to prevent children from maintaining accounts.
In a video message directed at students nationwide on Tuesday, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese remarked that the government made this change to assist children who have grown up amidst algorithms, endless social media feeds, and the associated pressures.
Point of View
The recent ban reflects a growing commitment to safeguarding children’s online experiences. With over 4.7 million accounts deactivated, this move signifies a proactive approach in addressing the challenges posed by digital platforms. However, the journey towards fostering a safe online environment is ongoing, and continuous efforts are essential to ensure lasting change.
NationPress
17/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main purpose of Australia's social media ban for under-16s?
The primary goal of the ban is to protect children from the potential harms associated with social media, such as exposure to inappropriate content and the pressures of online engagement.
How many accounts were deactivated under this ban?
Over 4.7 million accounts belonging to children under 16 were deactivated following the implementation of the ban.
What penalties do social media companies face for non-compliance?
Social media companies that fail to enforce the ban could face fines of up to 49.5 million Australian dollars, equivalent to approximately $33.17 million.
Which platforms are affected by this ban?
The ban applies to ten major platforms, including Facebook, YouTube, TikTok, and X.
What has been the government's response to the initial results of the ban?
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed encouragement regarding the compliance efforts of social media companies and highlighted the importance of this initiative for children's safety.
