Australia is introducing a world-first ban blocking under-16s from most major social media platforms, and Meta has begun shutting down or freezing teen accounts in advance of the law taking effect.
From 10 December, Australians under 16 will be barred from using platforms including Instagram, Facebook, Threads, TikTok, YouTube, X, Reddit, Snapchat and others, with services facing fines up to A$50m if they do not take “reasonable steps” to keep underage users out. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has called the measure “world-leading”, arguing it will protect children from online pressure, unwanted contact and other risks.
Meta’s account shutdown plan
Meta has started messaging users it believes are 13–15 years old, telling them their Instagram, Facebook and Threads accounts will be deactivated from 4 December and that no new under-16 accounts can be created from that date.Affected teens are being urged to update contact details so they can be notified when eligible to rejoin and are given options to download and save their photos, videos and messages before deactivation.&nbs
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