Australia predicts global adoption of social media ban as Meta begins restricting access for teenagers

Sydney, Dec 4 Australia's internet safety authority has indicated that its upcoming social media restrictions for teenagers could spark similar measures worldwide, as Metas Instagram, Facebook, and Threads start limiting access for hundreds of thousands of users ahead of next weeks enforcement date.

Julie Inman Grant, the eSafety Commissioner, acknowledged her initial reservations about a strict age-based social media block for under-16s, describing it as a "blunt-force" tactic. However, she now supports the measure, noting that smaller regulatory adjustments have proven insufficient.

"We have arrived at a critical juncture," Inman Grant stated Thursday during the Sydney Dialogue security conference. "These platforms thrive on our data, with manipulative design features that even adults struggle to resist. How can children stand a chance?"

Governments globally are observing the rollout as Australias legislation becomes effective on December 10. "This is the first domino, which explains why there was resistance from the platforms," she added.

Following more than a year of opposition, companies including Meta, TikTok, Snap, and Alphabets YouTube have confirmed they will comply with the ban, which carries fines up to A$49.5 million ($33 million). According to eSafety, roughly 96% of Australian teens under 16over one million of the nations 27 million residentshave active social media accounts.

Although the law takes effect on December 10, Meta has already started deactivating accounts on Instagram, Facebook, and Threads from Thursday, based on screenshots reviewed by Reuters. Other platforms have begun informing underage users, advising them to save their data and offering the choice to delete their accounts or temporarily suspend them until they reach 16.

"Its reassuring for parents and beneficial for mental health," said Jennifer Jennison, a mother from Sydney. "It gives my children a chance to relax after school and spend time with family."

Analysis: Australia’s Social Media Restrictions and Global Implications

Australia’s decision to enforce strict social media limits for users under 16 marks a significant shift in digital regulation. Initially met with hesitation by eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant, the move reflects a growing acknowledgment that minor regulatory tweaks are insufficient to protect minors from manipulative platform designs.

The measure is already influencing global discussions. Governments and regulators worldwide are closely observing Australia’s rollout, potentially signaling similar restrictions in other countries. Meta, TikTok, Snap, and YouTube have committed to compliance, facing fines up to A$49.5 million for violations.

For Australian teens, the impact is immediate: Meta has begun deactivating accounts on Instagram, Facebook, and Threads ahead of the official enforcement date. Other platforms are notifying users, offering data export and account suspension options.

Parents and mental health advocates have expressed cautious optimism. Early responses suggest the restriction may help teenagers balance online activity with offline life, while also setting a precedent for international regulatory approaches to digital safety.

Sources:

• Australia says the world will follow social media ban as Meta starts blocking teens