SYDNEY — Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Thursday defended the nation’s world-first social media ban for users under the age of 16, acknowledging enforcement challenges while insisting the law will “save lives and change the trajectory” of youth wellbeing. The landmark measure, which came into force on December 10, has drawn global attention — and swift reactions from both supporters and young Australians who say they are already finding ways around it.

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The legislation mandates that 10 major social media platforms — including TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Snapchat, X, Reddit, Twitch, Threads, Facebook and Kick — must prevent users under 16 from accessing or maintaining accounts or face fines of up to A$49.5 million ($32.9 million) for non-compliance. Platforms are required to report user counts before and after enforcement to the government’s internet safety regulator, the eSafety Commissioner, over the next six months.

Despite early rollout hurdles, Albanese stressed that bumps in implementation were anticipated. “This is the law — this isn’t something that can be flouted,” he said, noting that some teens were publicly boasting they remained online. Such posts, he added, effectively flag those accounts for removal once identified by platforms or authorities.

Youth Workarounds and Early Backlash

Within hours of the ban taking effect, several Australian social media feeds were flooded with comments from users claiming to be underage — including some posted directly on the prime minister’s own TikTok account asserting, “I’m still here, wait until I can vote.” Searches for virtual private networks (VPNs) skyrocketed in the week leading up to the ban, reaching the highest levels in nearly a decade, suggesting teenagers are seeking ways to mask their online identities or locations.

Local accounts already report significant drops in follower numbers and engagement on platforms like TikTok, where government estimates suggest around 200,000 accounts have been deactivated under the new rules.

However, some teens have migrated to lesser-regulated or currently excluded networks such as Bluesky and Yope, which have seen rapid growth in Australian users and are not yet officially covered by the legislation. Users under 16 say they can still access services like YouTube with existing accounts, while others are exploring alternative apps not yet designated under the law’s criteria.

Government and Global Reactions

Mr. Albanese framed the ban as part of broader efforts to protect young people’s mental health by reducing exposure to cyberbullying, addictive algorithms, and harmful content. He cited mental health risks, body image pressures and the isolating effects of interminable scrolling as key concerns the law aims to address.

Communications Minister Anika Wells said the government would take a flexible approach to enforcement, adding rising app downloads of alternative platforms may prompt future adjustments to the list of covered services.

International responses have been mixed. U.S. Republican Senator Josh Hawley endorsed the ban’s intent, and several countries — including France, Denmark and Malaysia — have expressed interest in exploring similar legislation. Meanwhile, organisations such as UNICEF have cautioned that a ban alone cannot replace broader improvements in platform design and content moderation.

Industry Pushback and Compliance Issues

Tech companies publicly opposed the legislation prior to enforcement, warning it could drive underage users to less safe and unregulated corners of the internet. Meta, the parent company of Instagram and Facebook, reiterated concerns that inconsistent application could undermine children’s safety. Other platforms — including YouTube, X and Reddit — had not immediately commented on compliance status as the ban took effect.

What’s Next

The Australian internet regulator will closely monitor compliance, requiring regular reporting from all affected platforms. The government has said it will consider expanding the list of covered services if teens increasingly turn to new or emerging social networks.

With enforcement in its earliest stage, the battle between regulatory ambition and youth adaptability is just beginning — and the world is watching to see whether Australia’s bold experiment in digital age restriction will achieve its intended outcomes. Reuters

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Notes for Editors:

• This article is based on reporting from Reuters and additional verified sources. Reuters

• Some quoted figures and outcomes reflect early enforcement data and may evolve as platforms update compliance processes. AP News

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