Meta to Block Social Media for Australian Teens
- Company moves to comply with new national restrictions
Meta has announced that it will block Australian users under the age of 16 from accessing Instagram, Facebook, and Threads by December 10. The decision follows new legislation in Australia aimed at restricting minors’ access to social media platforms. Notifications have already been sent to accounts believed to belong to users aged 13 to 15, warning them of upcoming shutdowns. Account deactivation will begin on December 4, with the process expected to be completed by December 10.
Implementation of the Ban
Meta explained that it will use multiple age verification methods to enforce the restrictions. A “data minimisation approach” will be adopted, meaning additional information will only be requested when a user’s stated age is in doubt. Antigone Davis, Meta’s vice president and global head of safety, said compliance will be “an ongoing and multi-layered process.” The company emphasized that while it is working to meet the December deadline, monitoring and enforcement will continue beyond that date.
Australia’s internet regulator estimates that 150,000 Facebook users and 350,000 Instagram users in the country are between 13 and 15 years old. No figures have been released for Threads. Meta stated that affected teenagers will have options to download their data, delete their accounts, or update contact details to be notified once they turn 16. These measures are intended to give young users control over their information during the transition.
Broader Regulatory Context
Australia’s ban is one of the most comprehensive government efforts to limit minors’ access to social media. The law requires platforms to take “reasonable steps” to prevent underage users from creating or maintaining accounts. Companies that fail to comply could face fines of up to A$49.5 million ($32.09 million). Regulators worldwide are closely observing the rollout, as similar measures may be considered in other jurisdictions.
The move reflects growing concerns about the impact of social media on young people. Governments have cited risks such as exposure to harmful content, privacy violations, and mental health challenges. By placing responsibility on platforms, Australia aims to set a precedent for stricter oversight. Meta’s compliance will serve as a test case for how global companies adapt to national regulations.
Impact on Users and Industry
Teenagers affected by the ban will lose access to popular platforms that play a significant role in social interaction. Meta’s decision to allow data downloads and notifications for reactivation at age 16 is designed to ease the transition. Industry analysts note that the ban could reshape how platforms approach age verification and user management. The financial penalties attached to non-compliance highlight the seriousness of the government’s stance.
Australia’s new law is among the toughest globally, but it is not alone in targeting youth access. In the United States, several states have introduced or proposed legislation requiring parental consent for minors to use social media, signaling a broader international trend toward stricter regulation of online platforms.
