Social Media Firms Have Come to Ban 'Kicking and Screaming', Says Australia eSafety Boss

Social media has become an inescapable part of modern life, shaping the way billions of people communicate, consume information, and form opinions. But with its growth, questions about safety, moderation, and accountability have intensified. Recently, Australia’s eSafety Commissioner, Julie Inman Grant, made headlines for her remarks on how social media companies are finally starting to take meaningful action — albeit reluctantly. According to Inman Grant, these platforms “have come to ban kicking and screaming,” signaling a shift in how tech giants approach user safety.

Her words highlight the tension that has defined the relationship between regulators and social media platforms for years: companies often resist stricter safety measures until compelled by law, public pressure, or reputational risk. Now, however, Australia’s regulatory framework and persistent advocacy may be changing the game.

Australia’s Approach to Online Safety

Australia has been at the forefront of digital regulation, implementing some of the strictest online safety laws in the world. The eSafety Commissioner’s office oversees compliance with rules designed to protect users from harassment, cyberbullying, and harmful content. Platforms that fail to comply can face hefty fines, public naming, and legal action.

Inman Grant’s comments come as social media companies increasingly respond to government pressure on content moderation. From TikTok to Facebook, major platforms have expanded reporting tools, tightened rules against abusive behavior, and updated their terms of service to better protect vulnerable users. These changes are not always voluntary; often, they are the result of sustained lobbying, fines, or regulatory threats.

“The point is,” Inman Grant said in a recent press conference, “social media firms have come to ban kicking and screaming. They know they cannot ignore their responsibilities anymore.” Her statement underscores the importance of regulatory enforcement in prompting corporate change.

The Challenges Social Media Firms Face

Even as platforms respond, the path to creating a safe online environment is not easy. Social media companies face complex challenges balancing freedom of expression with user protection.

Volume of Content: Platforms host billions of posts, videos, and images daily, making it difficult to monitor all content for harmful behavior. Automated tools help, but algorithms are not perfect.

Global Jurisdictions: What counts as illegal or harmful in one country may be permitted elsewhere. For instance, content flagged in Australia may not violate U.S. or European regulations.

Resistance to Change: Many companies are hesitant to implement stricter safety rules because they fear reduced engagement, which can affect revenue. Inman Grant’s “kicking and screaming” comment reflects this reluctance.

Despite these hurdles, recent trends suggest a shift. Major firms are investing in human moderators, AI-powered detection tools, and user education initiatives. These efforts indicate a recognition that ignoring digital safety can have legal, ethical, and financial consequences.

Examples of Regulatory Impact

Australia’s eSafety Office has leveraged a combination of laws, fines, and public scrutiny to push social media firms toward compliance. For example:

TikTok and Instagram have introduced new reporting systems to protect minors from harassment and exposure to inappropriate content.

Facebook faced penalties in the past for failing to remove harmful material promptly, which resulted in stricter policies and faster response times.

Streaming and video platforms now implement real-time content moderation for violent or abusive videos, prompted by regulatory pressure.

Inman Grant’s leadership has been central to these changes. By combining public advocacy with legal authority, she has managed to ensure platforms cannot simply ignore Australian law. The “kicking and screaming” phrase reflects the resistance and eventual compliance of these multinational companies under regulatory scrutiny.

Why This Matters Globally

Australia’s approach to digital safety is increasingly looked at as a model for other countries. The United Kingdom, Canada, and members of the European Union are exploring similar frameworks to hold social media firms accountable.

The significance extends beyond national borders. Platforms operate globally, and measures introduced in one country often have ripple effects worldwide. For example, safety policies designed to comply with Australian regulations are frequently applied to users in other regions, improving protections globally.

Moreover, Inman Grant’s comments highlight a larger point: regulation works when enforced consistently. Social media companies may initially resist, but sustained legal pressure and public awareness can lead to meaningful reforms.

What Users Can Expect

For everyday users, the impact of these changes is tangible:

Fewer instances of cyberbullying and harassment: Stricter reporting and moderation systems reduce harmful interactions.

Greater transparency: Platforms are now providing clearer explanations for content removal and user bans.

Safer environments for young users: Age-appropriate filters, stricter content guidelines, and parental controls are becoming standard.

While no platform can guarantee 100% safety, the shift described by Inman Grant suggests that companies are taking responsibility seriously, and users are likely to see positive changes in how harmful content is managed.

The Road Ahead

Despite progress, challenges remain. Platforms continue to grapple with algorithm-driven amplification of harmful content, misinformation, and privacy concerns. As regulations evolve, social media companies must remain proactive rather than reactive.

Inman Grant’s assertion that firms have “come to ban kicking and screaming” serves as both a warning and encouragement: regulators have the power to enforce change, and companies must adapt or face consequences.

The ongoing dialogue between governments and tech firms is shaping the future of the digital world. Strong leadership, legal frameworks, and user awareness are key to creating a safer online space for everyone.

Final Thoughts

Social media has revolutionized communication, but it comes with real risks to mental health, privacy, and personal safety. Australia’s eSafety Commissioner, Julie Inman Grant, is leading the way in holding platforms accountable, demonstrating that regulation is effective when consistently applied.

Her words about companies finally complying — albeit “kicking and screaming” — capture the tension and progress in digital safety today. As social media platforms continue to adapt, users can look forward to safer, more responsible online environments, a trend likely to influence global digital policy for years to come.