The official overseeing Australia’s pioneering social media laws says the new ban targeting children and teenagers will not immediately remove all underage users from platforms. While the e-Safety Commissioner remains confident that preparations are on track to meet the December 10 deadline, she emphasizes that the law is not designed to wipe out every underage account overnight.
“This legislation does not authorize us to shut down social media apps or remove them from stores,” she explained in a speech at the National Press Club. “Nor should we expect every child’s social media account to vanish instantly when the law takes effect.”
She described the laws as a “delay” rather than a complete ban, despite their broad reach for all Australians under 16 regardless of whether they already have accounts or parental consent. The Communications Minister will decide which platforms fall under the new rules, with popular apps like TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, and Facebook already named.
It was also revealed that the commissioner advised the minister that YouTube should be included, based on new research showing it’s the platform where young people most often encounter harmful content, such as violence and misogyny. This marks a shift from earlier communications, where YouTube was initially excluded.
A spokesperson for the minister said she is carefully considering the commissioner’s advice as the government finalizes details of the new regulations.
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