Australia is set to enforce a ban on social media use for teenagers under the age of 16. Meta announced that it will remove Australians younger than 16 from Facebook and Instagram on December 4, ahead of the ban’s implementation on December 10. The new law will require platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and TikTok to delete users under 16 or face fines of up to Aus$49.5 million (US$32 million).
Meta has begun notifying the affected users, estimated at around 350,000 Instagram accounts and 150,000 Facebook accounts, according to government figures. From December 4 the company will start blocking new under‑16 accounts and revoking existing access, aiming to remove all known under‑16 users by December 10. Locked‑out users will be able to regain access once they turn 16, with their profiles remaining intact.
The Australian government says the ban is intended to create safe, age‑appropriate online experiences. Meta, however, argues that cutting teens off from their friends and communities may not be the most effective solution and has described the laws as “vague,” “problematic,” and “rushed.” Despite these concerns, Australia is moving forward with one of the world’s strictest bans.
Other countries are considering similar restrictions. New Zealand’s prime minister has introduced a bill to limit children’s social‑media use, and the Dutch government has advised parents to forbid children under 15 from using social‑media apps. The effectiveness of such measures remains uncertain, as implementing and policing online age verification can be challenging.
The ban has significant implications for social‑media companies and users alike, and many experts are watching to see how Australia’s restrictions will play out. As regulators worldwide grapple with the dangers of social media, the outcome of this ban will be closely monitored. With the ban set to take effect on December 10, social‑media companies are bracing for the changes, and users are being notified of the impending restrictions.
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