Australia is set to enforce a ban on social media use for teenagers under the age of 16, with tech giant Meta announcing it will remove Australians younger than 16 from Facebook and Instagram on December 4. This move comes ahead of the ban’s implementation on December 10, which will require social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, to remove users under 16 or face significant fines of up to Aus$49.5 million (US$32 million).
Meta has begun notifying affected users, estimated to be around 350,000 Instagram users and 150,000 Facebook accounts, according to government figures. The company will start blocking new under-16 accounts and revoking existing access from December 4, aiming to remove all known under-16s by December 10. Users who are locked out will be able to access their accounts again once they turn 16, with their profiles remaining intact.
The Australian government’s goal is to create safe, age-appropriate online experiences, but Meta has expressed concerns that cutting teens off from their friends and communities may not be the most effective solution. The company has described the laws as “vague,” “problematic,” and “rushed.” Despite these concerns, Australia is pushing forward with the ban, which is one of the strictest in the world.
Other countries are also exploring similar restrictions, with New Zealand’s Prime Minister introducing a bill to restrict children’s social media use and the Dutch government advising parents to forbid children under 15 from using social media apps. The effectiveness of these measures remains to be seen, as implementing and policing online age verification can be challenging.
The move has significant implications for social media companies and users alike, with many experts watching to see how Australia’s restrictions will play out. As regulators globally grapple with the dangers of social media, the outcome of this ban will be closely monitored. With the ban set to come into effect on December 10, social media companies are bracing for the changes, and users are being notified of the impending restrictions.
