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Australia's under-16 social media ban prompts Meta to deactivate teen accounts
Meta has begun notifying Australian users aged 13 to 15 that their Instagram, Facebook, and Threads accounts will be deactivated starting 4 December, ahead of a nationwide ban on under-16s using social media platforms set to take effect on 10 December. The move follows a government mandate aimed at "letting kids be kids," according to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
Scope of the ban and platform compliance
The ban extends beyond Meta's platforms to include TikTok, YouTube, X (formerly Twitter), and Reddit. Australia's internet regulator estimates 150,000 Facebook users and 350,000 Instagram users fall within the 13-15 age bracket and will be affected. Meta, while opposing the measure, has stated it will comply, citing ongoing efforts to remove underage users by the deadline.
Platforms failing to enforce the age restriction face fines of up to A$50 million (£25 million). Meta's vice-president of global safety, Antigone Davis, acknowledged the challenge, telling Reuters that compliance would be an "ongoing and multi-layered process."
Verification and user options
Teenagers who believe they meet the age requirement can challenge the deactivation by submitting a video selfie for facial age verification or providing government-issued ID, such as a driver's licence. These methods were evaluated earlier this year by the UK-based Age Check Certification Scheme (ACCS), which noted no single solution was foolproof for all scenarios.
Meta is also urging affected users to update their contact details to receive notifications when they become eligible to reopen accounts. Before deactivation, teens can download and save their posts, videos, and messages.
Industry response and broader impact
Meta has advocated for an alternative approach, proposing that under-16s require parental approval before downloading social media apps. The company warned that teens might attempt to bypass age restrictions, stating, "Teens are resourceful, and may attempt to circumvent age assurance measures."
Meanwhile, gaming platform Roblox has preemptively adjusted its policies to avoid inclusion in the ban. Starting in December, children under 16 in Australia, New Zealand, and the Netherlands-and globally from January-will be barred from chatting with adult strangers unless they pass mandatory age checks.
Government justification and goals
Australia's e-Safety Commissioner, Julie Inman Grant, emphasized the ban's purpose: protecting teenagers from "pressures and risks" associated with social media use. The government's list of affected platforms excludes some services, though the full scope of exemptions remains unclear.
"While we are working hard to remove all users who we understand to be under the age of 16 by 10 December, compliance with the law will be an ongoing and multi-layered process."
Antigone Davis, Vice-President and Global Head of Safety, Meta
