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 from December 4th, with the aim of removing all known under-16 users by December 10th. The company has already begun notifying impacted users they will soon be locked out of their accounts.
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 move comes as the Australian government implements broader restrictions on social media access for young peopel. Government figures indicate approximately 350,000 Instagram users and 150,000 Facebook accounts are held by individuals aged 13-15 in Australia. The ban extends beyond Facebook and Instagram to include Reddit, Snapchat, Threads, TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube.
However, the implementation of the ban has sparked concern. Leo Puglisi, 18, founder of youth news service 6 News Australia, told an Australian senate inquiry that young people “deeply care” about the ban and its potential consequences. He argued that restricting social media access limits young people’s ability to stay informed. “I think young people do have the right to be informed,” Puglisi stated. “We’re saying that a 15 year old can’t access any news or political details on social media. I just don’t think that that adds up.”
Senator David Shoebridge has voiced concerns about the scale of the ban, estimating that “2.4 million young people will be kicked off social media accounts… just as school holidays start.” he also expressed worries about the potential impact on young people’s mental health and privacy, sharing his concerns in a recent post on X.
John Pane,from Electronic Frontiers Australia,further cautioned a senate inquiry that the legislation could create new risks while attempting to address existing ones. While acknowledging the ban aims to protect young people from “unsuitable content,” Pane believes it introduces a “far greater, systemic risk” of “potential mass collection of children’s and adults’ identity data,” ultimately benefiting large technology companies and increasing cyber risks.
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 prevent children under 15 from using platforms like TikTok and Snapchat.
