Sydney: Australia is set to implement a groundbreaking law that will ban children under the age of 16 from maintaining accounts on major social media platforms, a move that is already causing waves across the nation’s thriving digital content industry. The legislation, scheduled to take effect on December 10, 2025, aims to protect young users from the perceived harms of social media but is prompting content creators to explore opportunities abroad, fearing a collapse in local engagement and revenue streams.
For many prominent Australian influencers, the ban represents an existential threat to their careers. Jordan Barclay, a Melbourne-based YouTube entrepreneur who built a gaming empire valued at approximately US$50 million, is among those considering relocation. “We’re going to move overseas because that’s where the money is going to be,” Barclay told Reuters, reflecting the concerns of creators who rely heavily on youthful audiences for views, sponsorships, and brand partnerships. Similar sentiments are echoed by other digital stars whose livelihoods hinge on domestic engagement.
The law mandates that social media companies block accounts of Australians under 16 and subjects platforms to potential fines of up to A$49.5 million for systemic violations. While under-16 users may still passively view content, platforms are expected to adjust algorithms in ways that deprioritize content engagement from creators, potentially reducing their visibility and undermining monetization efforts. Analysts warn that this regulatory shift could reshape the digital ecosystem in Australia, particularly for creators whose content is tailored to younger demographics.
The implications extend beyond creators to the advertiser community. Brands targeting youth audiences are already showing caution, pulling back from sponsorships and influencer deals in anticipation of declining engagement. Stephanie Scicchitano, general manager at Sydney-based talent agency Born Bred, noted that interest from advertisers has diminished in recent weeks, signaling a broader economic impact on the local influencer market. Even companies like Barclay’s Spawnpoint Media, which collaborates with global brands such as LEGO and Microsoft, are reassessing domestic investment strategies in light of the impending ban.
Family-focused content creators are especially apprehensive. Channels run by children or parents, including popular acts like Lah-Lah and Bounce Patrol, foresee significant setbacks. These creators rely on active participation from young audiences, and any loss of engagement could erode both revenue and reputation. Industry experts, including Crystal Abidin from the Influencer Ethnography Research Lab, have highlighted the potential exodus of talent, suggesting that some creators may permanently relocate overseas to sustain their careers.
Smaller voices are also at risk. Teenage content creators like 15-year-old Dimi Heryxlim, who runs a popular food vlog in Sydney, anticipate reduced reach and diminished brand recognition. Heryxlim plans to rebuild his presence once he turns 16, but for now, his business and online identity face disruption. This scenario underscores the challenges faced by emerging creators who lack the international reach or financial buffer of their more established peers.
The broader consequences of the legislation extend beyond financial concerns. Critics warn that Australia may inadvertently damage its own creator economy, signaling that the country is no longer a hospitable environment for digital entrepreneurs. Platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram may recalibrate engagement strategies in Australia, deprioritizing local users in favor of other markets. The debate raises fundamental questions about youth rights, freedom of expression, and whether protective regulation might inadvertently stifle innovation and digital community-building.
As Australia embarks on this ambitious social media experiment, the immediate fallout is evident: creators are reconsidering their domestic presence, advertisers are reevaluating commitments, and young users may find themselves disconnected from the content they once enjoyed. The law’s ultimate impact will likely reverberate beyond national borders, shaping both the future of digital influence and the global creator economy.