Starting Thursday, Australian Facebook and Instagram users under the age of 16 will receive notifications about the deactivation of their accounts by December 10. This move is part of Meta’s compliance with the Albanese government’s impending social media ban targeting young users.
Impacted users will be given a 14-day notice period through a combination of in-app messages, emails, and SMS alerts before their accounts are deactivated. The ban encompasses Facebook, Instagram, and Threads, which requires an Instagram account for access. Notably, Messenger is exempt, prompting Meta to develop a method for users to retain Messenger access without a Facebook account.
Implementation and User Adaptation
Meta will begin restricting access to existing accounts and prevent new registrations for under-16s starting December 4. By December 10, all affected accounts will be deactivated. However, teens will have the option to download and save their posts, messages, and Reels. They can regain access upon turning 16 or choose to delete their accounts permanently.
“When you turn 16 and can access our apps again, all your content will be available exactly as you left it,” said Mia Garlick, Meta’s regional policy director.
Meta encourages parents to ensure that their children’s social media accounts reflect the correct birth date. The company plans to notify all accounts it believes are under 16 but has not disclosed the criteria used to determine age to prevent circumvention of the ban.
Age Verification and Potential Errors
If a user mistakenly flagged as under 16 is actually older, they can verify their age through facial age assurance—taking a video selfie—or by providing government identification using Yoti’s age assurance technology. Meta acknowledges potential errors in age estimation, as seen in previous trials, but maintains this method is the least intrusive.
On Wednesday, Meta investigated an issue where users in Australia who entered their age as under 16 were unable to register new Instagram accounts, although this was unrelated to the upcoming changes.
Industry Reactions and Compliance
Meta is the first tech company to outline its compliance strategy ahead of the December 10 deadline. Other platforms such as TikTok and Snapchat have also expressed their intention to comply. Meanwhile, YouTube has yet to confirm its stance, previously hinting at possible legal action.
“While we are working hard to remove all users who we understand to be under the age of 16 by December 10, compliance with the law will be an ongoing and multi-layered process,” stated Antigone Davis, Meta’s global head of safety.
NSW Libertarian politician John Ruddick has voiced plans to challenge the law on the grounds of freedom of political communication in the high court. Elon Musk’s X platform has also opposed the ban, without yet confirming compliance.
Broader Implications and Future Steps
This development represents a significant shift in social media regulation, with potential implications for privacy, parental control, and age verification processes. Meta argues that its existing teen account settings, which limit contact, restrict advertising, and offer parental controls, could serve as a viable alternative to a blanket ban.
As the December deadline approaches, other tech companies are expected to clarify their positions. The unfolding situation will likely spark further debate on the balance between user safety and personal freedom, setting a precedent for future regulatory actions in the digital space.
