Meta, a tech giant, announced that it will begin removing users under the age of 16 from Instagram, Threads, and Facebook in Australia. This step precedes the country’s world‑first social‑media ban, which takes effect on December 10 and aims to protect young people from the platform’s potential harms. Under the new law, major online services—including TikTok and YouTube—must block underage users, with non‑compliant companies facing fines of up to Aus$49.5 million (US$32 million).
Meta says it is working to delete all users under 16 by the deadline, noting that compliance will be an ongoing process. Young users will be notified before they turn 16 that they can regain access and that their content will be restored. Hundreds of thousands of adolescents are expected to be affected; Instagram alone reports about 350,000 Australian users aged 13 to 15. Some apps and sites, such as Roblox and Pinterest, are exempt from the ban, though the exemption list may be reviewed.
While Meta pledges to follow the Australian law, it suggests that app stores should verify users’ ages, arguing that this would eliminate the need for multiple age checks across different apps. YouTube has criticized the ban, claiming it could make young Australians “less safe” because they might still access the site without an account and without safety filters. Australian Communications Minister Anika Wells dismissed YouTube’s argument as “weird,” insisting the company must address inappropriate content on its platform. Wells emphasized that the law is intended to shield young people from harmful material that can affect their self‑esteem.
An internet‑rights group has launched a legal challenge to halt the ban, describing it as an unfair assault on freedom of speech. As Australia implements its sweeping restrictions, regulators worldwide are watching closely. Malaysia and New Zealand have signaled plans to introduce similar bans on children under 16 creating social‑media accounts. The effectiveness of Australia’s approach will be closely monitored as governments grapple with the potential dangers of social media.
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