Meta Begins Removing Under-16 Users as Australia Enforces World-First Social Media Ban
Tech giant Meta has begun removing Australian users under the age of 16 from Instagram, Threads, and Facebook as the country prepares to enforce a world-first Australia youth social media ban. The law, which takes effect on December 10, requires major online platforms—including TikTok and YouTube—to block underage users or face fines of up to Aus$49.5 million (US$32 million).
According to Meta, the company is working to identify and remove all users it believes are below the legal age before the deadline, though it acknowledged that compliance will remain an ongoing process. Younger users will be able to download their account histories, and Meta says they will regain access once they turn 16, with their content restored.
The ban is expected to affect hundreds of thousands of minors, with Instagram alone estimating about 350,000 Australian users aged 13 to 15. Some platforms such as Roblox, Pinterest, and WhatsApp are exempt, but the exemption list may change.
Meta pushes for app store responsibility
While Meta says it will comply, the company has urged the government to place age-verification duties on app stores instead. It argued that a centralized system would prevent teens from having to verify their age multiple times across different platforms.
YouTube has also criticized the policy, warning that the ban could make younger users “less safe” by limiting access to account-based safety features, even though the site itself still allows visitors without accounts.
Government rejects criticisms
Australia’s Communications Minister Anika Wells dismissed YouTube’s concerns as “weird,” arguing that platforms must ensure age-restricted content is genuinely safe. She pointed out that harmful algorithmic targeting has contributed to declining self-esteem and even suicide among teenagers.
Wells emphasized that while the measure will not solve every online harm, it represents a major step toward safeguarding children’s mental health.
Legal challenge and future implications
The Digital Freedom Project has taken the case to Australia’s High Court, calling the law an attack on freedom of speech. Authorities expect teens will attempt to bypass the restrictions by using fake IDs or AI-generated older likenesses, though regulators admit no system will be perfect.
Global regulators are watching closely to see if the Australia youth social media ban proves effective. Malaysia and New Zealand have already indicated plans to introduce similar restrictions next year as concerns over youth safety and online exposure continue to grow.
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