Meta to Block Under-16s from Instagram and Facebook in Australia
Meta will begin blocking new accounts for users under the age of 16 and revoking access for existing users starting December 4th, with the aim of removing all known under-16 users by December 10th. The move comes as Australia implements sweeping new restrictions on social media access for children.
According to government figures, approximately 350,000 Instagram users and 150,000 Facebook accounts in Australia are currently held by individuals aged between 13 and 15. Meta has already begun notifying impacted users that their access will soon be terminated.
A message being sent to users Meta believes are under 16 states: “Soon, you’ll no longer be able to use facebook and your profile won’t be visible to you or others,” and promises access will be restored “When you turn 16, we’ll let you know that you can start using facebook again.”
The ban extends beyond Facebook and Instagram to include several other popular platforms,such as Reddit,Snapchat,Threads,TikTok,X (formerly Twitter),and YouTube,as outlined by the Australian government.
however, the implementation of the ban has sparked concern among young people and advocates. Leo Puglisi, 18, founder of youth news service 6 News Australia, testified before an Australian senate inquiry, stating that young people “deeply care” about the ban and its potential consequences. Puglisi emphasized the importance of social media as a source of information for young people, arguing, “I think young people do have the right to be informed… We’re saying that a 15 year old can’t access any news or political information on social media. I just don’t think that that adds up.”
Australian Senator David shoebridge has also voiced concerns, noting that “an estimated 2.4 million young people will be kicked off social media accounts… just as school holidays start.” He expressed worries about the potential impacts on young peopleS mental health and privacy, sharing his concerns in a recent post on X.
John Pane, from Electronic Frontiers Australia, told a senate inquiry that the legislation, while intended to protect young people from ”unsuitable content,” creates a “far greater, systemic risk” of “potential mass collection of children’s and adults’ identity data.” Pane warned this could increase “the data stores and financial positions of big tech and big data and increasing cyber risk on a very notable scale.”
To verify age, as many Australians under 16 lack official government ID, social media companies are reportedly planning to require some users to submit video recordings as proof of age.
australia’s approach is drawing international attention, with other countries considering similar measures. New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon plans to introduce a bill mirroring the restrictions. Indonesia is also preparing legislation to safeguard young people from “physical, mental, or moral perils” related to social media use. In Europe, the Dutch government has advised parents to prohibit children under 15 from using apps like TikTok and Snapchat.
