Early data from Australia’s landmark social media restrictions suggests limited change in user behaviour despite strict rules targeting under-16 users. The country introduced the ban in December to protect children from online bullying and “predatory algorithms.”
According to government documents accessed through freedom of information laws, platforms like TikTok and Instagram continued to dominate app store downloads even after the ban. An internal briefing from the eSafety Commission noted “no meaningful shift away” from these platforms in January.
Officials observed that while some users briefly tried alternative apps not covered under the ban, they “largely returned to major, established platforms.” However, a separate document cautioned that early data has limitations, as it does not fully reflect actual usage or user age.
One of the key reasons behind the ban was to reduce cyberbullying. However, complaints rose 26% in January 2026 compared to January 2025, with most cases linked to TikTok. Authorities said more time is needed to assess long-term impact. “Continued analysis as more data becomes available will support more robust, evidence-based conclusions regarding longer-term trends, reporting behaviours and impacts of (a minimum age for social media),” the regulator said in a statement.
The move has drawn global attention. Countries including Israel, United Kingdom, Norway and New Zealand have reportedly engaged with Australian officials to study the model.
Authorities have also raised concerns about compliance. In March, the government accused tech firms of “failing to obey” the new rules. Communications Minister Anika Wells said, “Australia’s world-leading social media laws are not failing. But big tech is failing to obey the laws,” adding, “Australia will not let the social media giants take us for mugs.”
Under the law, companies face fines of up to $33.9 million. Government figures show over 5 million underage accounts have been removed so far.
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