Meta begins removing underage users from social media in Australia

Meta announced on Thursday that it has started restricting access for users under 16 in Australia across Instagram, Threads, and Facebook, ahead of the country's unprecedented youth social media legislation.

The new law, effective December 10, mandates major digital platforms, including TikTok and YouTube, to block underage accounts. Companies could face fines up to Aus$49.5 million (US$32 million) if they fail to take "reasonable steps" to comply.

A Meta spokesperson stated, "We are actively working to remove all accounts we believe belong to users under 16 by December 10, but compliance will be an ongoing, multi-layered process." The company added that young users will be able to download their content before losing access. "Before you turn 16, we will alert you that you can regain access and restore all your content exactly as it was," the spokesperson explained.

The regulation is expected to affect hundreds of thousands of teenagers, with Instagram alone reporting approximately 350,000 Australian users aged 13 to 15. Certain platforms, like Roblox, Pinterest, and WhatsApp, are currently exempt, though the list is subject to change.

Meta emphasized its commitment to following the law but suggested that app stores should play a larger role in verifying age. "App stores should confirm age and obtain parental consent when teens under 16 download apps, reducing the need for repeated age verification across different platforms," the spokesperson said. "Verified age data could then help ensure age-appropriate experiences."

YouTube criticized the legislation, arguing it could make younger Australians less safe by limiting access to safety filters for under-16s, even if they visit the site without an account. Australia's Communications Minister Anika Wells dismissed this concern, calling it "weird." She noted that some teens had experienced harm online, including suicide linked to algorithmic content targeting, and said the law aims to give children a safer environment to develop.

Meanwhile, the Digital Freedom Project has filed a High Court challenge against the ban, calling it an "unfair" restriction on free speech. Authorities anticipate that some teens may attempt to bypass the rules by using fake IDs or AI tools to alter their appearance, but the internet safety regulator warned that no method will be completely foolproof.

Analysis: Meta’s Early Compliance with Australia’s New Youth Social Media Law

Meta’s recent move to restrict access for users under 16 across its platforms, including Instagram, Threads, and Facebook, is a direct response to Australia’s upcoming youth social media legislation, set to take effect on December 10. While the company claims to be actively working on removing underage accounts, this shift highlights both the regulatory pressure on tech giants and the ongoing debate around the balance of digital safety and freedom of expression.

The new law imposes significant fines on companies that fail to block underage users, marking a notable step toward stronger online protection for minors. Meta’s announcement comes ahead of the deadline, signaling that major digital platforms are preparing to comply with the law. However, the company has made it clear that full compliance will be an ongoing challenge. While Meta has pledged to allow young users to download their content before losing access, the technical and ethical implications of enforcing such restrictions remain complex.

Critics, including YouTube, argue that the law could inadvertently compromise the safety of younger users by limiting their access to essential safety tools. Yet, Australian authorities remain firm, defending the legislation as necessary to protect teens from online harm, particularly from harmful algorithmic content. This tension between safety and access is at the heart of the debate, with some even challenging the law on the grounds of free speech and digital rights.

As the law’s implementation nears, the challenges of verifying age and ensuring secure access for minors will only grow. While Meta calls for a more unified approach through app store age verification, the real-world effectiveness of such measures is yet to be fully seen. The coming months will reveal how these platforms adapt to the new regulations and how young users navigate a more restricted digital environment.

Sources:

• Meta starts removing under-16s from social media in Australia

Author: Lucas Grant
Lucas Grant is a sports journalist with extensive experience covering football and basketball championships. Known for factual accuracy and an engaging, dynamic writing style.