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On December 4, Meta announced that Australians under the age of 16 would be removed from Facebook and Instagram, as part of the country’s new laws restricting teen social media use. Starting December 10, social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok will be required to delete accounts belonging to users under 16 or face significant fines. Meta stated it would begin removing teen users ahead of the enforcement date, notifying affected users aged 13-15 that they will lose access to Instagram, Threads, and Facebook.
Meta plans to block new under-16 accounts and disable existing ones beginning December 4, with the goal of removing all known under-16 users by December 10. Government data indicates roughly 350,000 Instagram users and about 150,000 Facebook accounts are for Australians aged 13-15. The company has already started alerting impacted users that they will soon be unable to access their profiles, with messages informing them they can return once they turn 16.
Accounts flagged by mistake can verify their age using a video selfie or government-issued ID. The laws have been criticized by social media companies for their vagueness, problematic implementation, and rushed nature. Meta emphasized its concern, stating, “We share the Australian Government’s goal of creating safe, age-appropriate online experiences, but cutting teens off from their friends and communities isn’t the solution.”
Other countries are considering similar measures. New Zealand’s Prime Minister plans to introduce legislation limiting children’s social media use, while the Dutch government has advised parents to restrict children under 15 from platforms like TikTok and Snapchat. Violators of Australia’s laws face fines up to AU$49.5 million (approximately US$32 million). Although on paper these restrictions are among the strictest worldwide, experts worry the law may remain symbolic due to challenges in enforcing age verification online.
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