Meta, a tech giant, has announced that it will begin removing users under the age of 16 from Instagram, Threads, and Facebook in Australia. This move comes ahead of the country’s impending social media ban, which will take effect on December 10. The ban, a world-first, aims to protect young people from the potential harms of social media.
Under the new law, major online platforms, including TikTok and YouTube, will be required to block underage users. Companies that fail to comply will face fines of up to Aus$49.5 million (US$32 million). Meta has stated that it is working to remove all users under 16 by the deadline, but notes that compliance will be an ongoing process.
Young users will be notified before they turn 16 that they will regain access to the platforms, and their content will be restored. Hundreds of thousands of adolescents are expected to be impacted by the ban, with Instagram alone reporting around 350,000 Australian users aged 13 to 15. Some popular apps and websites, such as Roblox and Pinterest, are exempt from the ban, but the list is subject to review.
Meta has expressed commitment to complying with the Australian law but suggests that app stores should be responsible for verifying users’ ages instead. The company argues that this would eliminate the need for multiple age verifications across different apps. YouTube has also spoken out against the ban, claiming that it will make young Australians “less safe” as they may still access the website without an account, but without safety filters.
Australian Communications Minister Anika Wells has dismissed YouTube’s argument as “weird,” stating that the company needs to address the issue of inappropriate content on its platform. Wells emphasized that the law aims to protect young people from harmful content that can affect their self-esteem. An internet rights group has launched a legal challenge to halt the ban, arguing that it is an “unfair” assault on freedom of speech.
As Australia implements its sweeping restrictions, regulators around the world are watching closely. Malaysia and New Zealand have indicated plans to introduce similar bans on children under 16 signing up to social media accounts. The effectiveness of Australia’s approach will be closely monitored, as governments grapple with the potential dangers of social media.