Australian PM vows to hold social media to account as ban nears

Brett Miller, Bloomberg News on Dec 6, 2025

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Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese reminded social media companies that they will be held responsible when a ban on children having accounts takes effect on Wednesday.

Under the crackdown, the first of its kind among the world’s democracies, platforms including TikTok and Instagram will be required by law to block under-16s from holding accounts or face fines of up to A$49.5 million ($33 million).

“This will be one of the biggest social and cultural changes our nation has faced,” Albanese said in a statement. “The onus will be on social media companies to ensure no child under 16 is on their platforms.”

Albanese and Communications Minister Anika Wells also spoke about the ban on television talk shows on Sunday, while newspapers around the country covered the ban with extensive commentary, debate and guides for parents on how to help children adapt to the change.

A successful rollout of the restrictions in Australia is seen as likely to bolster global momentum, with nations from Europe to Brazil and Malaysia working on plans to restrict children from holding social media accounts.