Australia Removes 4.7M Teen Social Media Accounts in a Month

Australia just proved that tech companies will act when governments draw a clear line in the sand.

Since the country's groundbreaking under-16 social media ban took effect on December 10, platforms have removed approximately 4.7 million accounts held by minors. The numbers released by Australia's eSafety Commissioner represent the first concrete evidence that major tech companies are complying with what many called an unenforceable law.

"I am very pleased with these preliminary results," said eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant. "It is clear that our regulatory guidance and engagement with platforms is already delivering significant outcomes."

The law takes a unique approach by holding platforms accountable rather than parents or children. Social media companies face fines up to $27 million for serious or repeated violations of allowing under-16 users on their platforms.

Grant acknowledged that some teen accounts remain active and that full compliance is still being determined. But the early signs point to meaningful change.

"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 resetting cultural norms," she explained.

Three of Australia's largest age verification providers reported that the law's rollout has been "relatively smooth." Different platforms are taking different approaches based on their individual circumstances, which explains some variation in the data.

The Ripple Effect

Other countries are watching closely and already moving to follow Australia's lead. Denmark secured an agreement in November to block social media access for anyone under 15, with legislation potentially becoming law by mid-2026.

Grant emphasized that the true impact of this policy shift won't be visible for years. The deletion of nearly 5 million accounts is just the beginning of what she described as a generational change in how children interact with social media.

"Some positive changes will be clearly evident today, but some of the longer-term normative changes and related positive impacts on Australian children and families may take years to fully manifest," she said.

Australia has shown the world that protecting children online doesn't have to remain an unsolved problem.