Key Facts
• December 2025: Australia enacts law banning SNS use for under-16s
• By January 16, 2026: Approximately 4.7 million SNS accounts suspended
• Suspended platforms include Instagram and TikTok
• Australian eSafety Commission announced enforcement progress on January 16
• Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed the ban is effective and globally pioneering
• France, Malaysia, Indonesia plan similar youth SNS bans
• Some U.S. states are considering following Australia’s lead
Summary
Australia implemented a law in December 2025 prohibiting social networking service (SNS) use by individuals under 16 years old. Since then, the Australian eSafety Commission has suspended about 4.7 million accounts on platforms such as Instagram and TikTok to enforce this regulation. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese highlighted the law’s effectiveness and its status as a world-first initiative attracting international attention. Other countries including France, Malaysia, and Indonesia have announced plans to introduce similar restrictions for young users. Additionally, some U.S. states are deliberating adopting comparable measures, reflecting a growing global trend toward regulating youth access to social media.
