Meta begins enforcing Australia’s under-16 social media ban on its platforms

Meta has begun removing Australian users under the age of 16 from Instagram, Facebook, and Threads ahead of a nationwide social media ban taking effect on December 10. The move impacts approximately 150,000 Facebook accounts and 350,000 Instagram accounts. Teens aged 13 to 15 received notifications about the upcoming shutdown starting December 4. Meta stated that while it is committed to complying with the law, a standardized, privacy-focused approach, including app store verification of age and parental consent, would be more effective. Users identified as under 16 can download and save their posts, videos, and messages before account deactivation. Teens who believe they were miscategorized can submit verification via video selfie or government ID. Australia’s law, the first of its kind globally, aims to protect children from social media harms, including exposure to violent or inappropriate content, cyberbullying, and grooming. Other platforms affected include YouTube, X, TikTok, Snapchat, Reddit, Kick, and Twitch. Officials are monitoring lesser-known apps like Lemon8 and Yope to prevent migration to unregulated spaces. While the law has support for child safety, critics argue it could isolate some children and push them to riskier online spaces. Communications Minister Anika Wells emphasized the importance of protecting Generation Alpha from manipulative algorithms and online harm.