Meta removes under-16 users ahead of law
Meta has begun removing Australian children under 16 from Instagram, Facebook, and Threads. The company takes this step one week before the national youth ban begins. Last month, Meta informed users aged 13 to 15 that their accounts would close starting 4 December. Around 150,000 Facebook accounts and roughly 350,000 Instagram profiles are expected to be affected. Threads also restricts young users because it requires an Instagram login. Australia’s new law, effective 10 December, mandates that platforms block under-16s. Companies face fines of up to A$49.5m if they fail to comply.
Meta urges stronger age verification
A spokesperson told a British news outlet that compliance will remain complex and ongoing. She said Meta will follow the law but seeks a more effective, privacy-focused system. Meta recommends that app stores verify user ages before downloads. Parents would approve access for under-16s, preventing repeated age checks across apps. Meta also said flagged teens can save posts, videos, and messages before account removal. Young users who feel misclassified can request a review and submit a short video selfie. They may also provide a driver’s licence or another government-issued ID.
Other platforms face restrictions
The ban also applies to YouTube, X, TikTok, Snapchat, Reddit, Kick, and Twitch. The government says the law protects children from online harm. Critics warn it may isolate teens who rely on social platforms for connection. They also fear young users could migrate to poorly regulated areas online. Communications Minister Anika Wells said she expects early challenges but focuses on protecting Generation Alpha. She said powerful algorithms trap children in harmful content cycles. She described children as connected to a constant “dopamine drip” once they join social media. Wells is monitoring apps like Lemon8 and Yope to track youth migration after the ban.
Emerging platforms under review
Australia’s eSafety Commissioner asked Lemon8 and Yope to check whether the ban applies to them. Yope’s chief executive said the company has not received direct inquiries but already completed an internal review. He said Yope functions as a private messenger with no public content, similar to WhatsApp. Users share moments only with trusted contacts. Reports say Lemon8 will block under-16s next week, even though it is not officially included in the ban. YouTube, first exempt then included, criticised the law as rushed. The platform argues that removing teen accounts with parental controls could reduce safety.
Global attention on Australia’s model
Governments worldwide are watching Australia’s approach closely. A national study found that 96% of children aged 10 to 15 use social media. Seven in ten reported exposure to harmful posts, including violent content or material linked to eating disorders or suicide. One in seven said they experienced grooming behaviour from adults or older children. More than half reported cyberbullying.
