Australian teenagers using Facebook and Instagram are set to face account deactivations as Meta begins notifying users under 16 of impending shutdowns. This move comes as Meta complies with the Albanese government’s newly imposed social media ban, set to take full effect by December 10.
Starting Thursday, affected users will receive a 14-day notice of their account deactivation through a combination of in-app messages, emails, and SMS. The ban will impact Facebook, Instagram, and Threads users, as an Instagram account is necessary to access Threads. However, Messenger remains exempt, prompting Meta to develop a method for users to retain Messenger access without a Facebook account.
Implementation and User Options
Meta will begin restricting access to existing accounts and blocking new registrations for under-16s from December 4, with complete access removal by December 10. Teenagers whose accounts are deactivated 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 entirely.
“When you turn 16 and can access our apps again, all your content will be available exactly as you left it,” stated Mia Garlick, Meta’s regional policy director. She also urged parents to ensure their children’s birth dates are correctly registered on social media accounts.
Age Verification and Privacy Concerns
Meta will notify all accounts it identifies as under 16, though the company has not disclosed how it determines age to prevent potential circumvention of the ban. Users mistakenly flagged can verify their age through facial age assurance or by providing a government ID using Yoti’s technology. Despite anticipated errors, Meta believes this method is the least intrusive for privacy.
On Wednesday, Meta acknowledged an unrelated issue preventing Australian users under 16 from registering new Instagram accounts. The company continues to argue that its teen account settings, which limit contact, restrict advertising, and enhance parental controls, would be a more effective alternative to an outright ban.
Industry Reactions and Compliance
Meta is the first tech company to outline its compliance strategy ahead of the December 10 deadline. The ban affects platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X, YouTube, Snapchat, Reddit, and Kick. TikTok and Snapchat have expressed intentions to comply, while YouTube has yet to confirm its stance, previously hinting at potential legal challenges.
NSW Libertarian politician John Ruddick plans to challenge the law in the high court, citing freedom of political communication. Meanwhile, Elon Musk’s X platform has voiced opposition to the ban but has not clarified its compliance plans.
Future Implications and Industry Impact
The announcement comes amid ongoing debates about the balance between protecting minors online and preserving digital freedoms. As Meta and other tech giants navigate these regulatory waters, the broader implications for digital privacy, parental control, and age verification continue to unfold.
Meta’s proactive approach may set a precedent for how tech companies address age-related regulations globally. However, the effectiveness of these measures and their impact on user privacy and experience remain to be seen as the December deadline approaches.
