What is Australia's new social media age restriction?

Australia requires social media platforms to prevent users under 16 from holding accounts, effective from December 10, 2026.

What are the penalties for platforms not complying with Australia's ban?

Companies face fines of up to Aus$49.5 million if they fail to take reasonable steps to remove underage users.

How many underage accounts has Australia's ban blocked?

The ban has resulted in the blocking of 4.7 million accounts of users under the age of 16.

Home / Technology / Australia Blocks 4.7 Million Underage Social Media Accounts

Australia Blocks 4.7 Million Underage Social Media Accounts

16 Jan

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Summary

Over 4.7 million accounts blocked under Australia's under-16 social media ban.
Platforms face hefty fines of Aus$49.5 million for non-compliance.
Tech giants are urged to take reasonable steps to prevent underage use.

Australia Blocks 4.7 Million Underage Social Media Accounts

Australia's digital safety watchdog announced that over 4.7 million social media accounts have been blocked since the nation's age restriction law for under-16s took effect on December 10, 2026. This legislation mandates major platforms, including Meta, TikTok, and YouTube, to prevent underage users from holding accounts. Companies that do not implement "reasonable steps" to comply face penalties of up to Aus$49.5 million.

Early data suggests platforms are making significant efforts to remove underage users, a positive sign according to the eSafety Commissioner. However, Meta has reiterated its suggestion that app stores should verify user ages and require parental consent before allowing downloads, framing it as a way to avoid a continuous battle against teens finding new ways to access platforms.