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Social media companies block 4.7m accounts in response to Australia's under-16 ban

( January 16, 2026, 04:50 GMT | Official Statement) -- MLex Summary: Major social media companies removed access to about 4.7 million accounts identified as belonging to children under 16 in the first half of December to comply with Australia’s social media minimum age, according to a statement on Friday from Australia's eSafety Commissioner. The regulator's focus since the minimum age obligation took effect on Dec. 10 has shifted from preparation to monitoring and enforcement, concentrating on platforms assessed as age restricted and identified as having high usage by under 16s in Australia. The eSafety Commissioner said the data was an early indication that major platforms were taking meaningful action to prevent under 16s from holding accounts.Press release follows....

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