Meta, the company behind Instagram, Facebook, and Threads, is notifying users in Australia aged 13 to 15 that their accounts will be shut down as a new social media ban for those under 16 is set to start in December.
Australia has announced a “world-leading” initiative that will prohibit users under 16 from accessing social media platforms, according to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. This ban is scheduled to take effect on December 10 and will impact popular sites like Instagram, Facebook, Threads, TikTok, YouTube, X, and Reddit. Albanese stated that the goal is to let children enjoy their youth.
As part of this effort, Meta has begun informing these young Australian users about the upcoming closure of their accounts. The company estimates around 150,000 Facebook and 350,000 Instagram users in this age group will be affected.
Starting December 4, users under 16 will be unable to create new accounts on Meta platforms. The company encourages younger users to update their contact details so they can be notified when they can potentially open an account again. Additionally, there’s an option for users to download and save their content before their accounts are permanently deactivated.
A spokesperson for Meta stated:
To align with Australia’s minimum age laws for social media, individuals under 16 will lose access to Facebook, Instagram, and Threads next month. While we are committed to fulfilling our legal responsibilities, we have voiced concerns about this law. Many experts, youth organizations, and parents agree that a sweeping ban isn’t the way forward. Such a blanket restriction might cut teens off from valuable online communities and information, along with offering inconsistent protections across various platforms. A more effective approach could be a law that empowers parents to approve app downloads and confirm ages, allowing families to make decisions about which apps their children can use.
Teens who feel they meet the age requirement for Instagram, Facebook, or Threads can challenge these restrictions by submitting a “selfie video” for facial age verification or by providing a driver’s license or other government-issued ID. These methods were evaluated earlier this year by the UK-based Age Confirmation and Certification Scheme (ACCS) in a report commissioned by the Australian Government. However, ACCS pointed out that while each method has its advantages, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution that guarantees effectiveness in every situation.
Australian Electronic Safety Commissioner Julie Inman-Grant emphasized that the ban’s purpose is to safeguard teenagers from potential pressures and risks associated with social media use. In light of this measure, platforms like Roblox are implementing compulsory age verification and chat restrictions for users under 16 to avoid falling under the ban.
