Australia has become the first country to force major tech companies to remove under-16 users from their platforms, as Meta began disabling accounts on Instagram, Facebook and Threads a week ahead of a sweeping nationwide social media ban.

Under the new law — effective 10 December — platforms that fail to take “reasonable steps” to block users aged below 16 face fines up to A$49.5 million. Meta had already warned teenagers aged 13–15 that their accounts would begin shutting down from 4 December, with an estimated 500,000 accounts across Facebook and Instagram affected. Threads, which requires Instagram login, is automatically included.

Why the crackdown?

The Australian government says the ban aims to shield children from escalating online harms. A federally commissioned study earlier this year found:

  • 96% of children aged 10–15 use social media
  • 7 in 10 had seen harmful material, including misogynistic, violent or self-harm content
  • 1 in 7 had experienced grooming behaviours
  • More than half had faced cyberbullying

Communications Minister Anika Wells said children were being exposed to “behavioural cocaine” through addictive algorithms and that early implementation issues were expected: “With one law, we can protect Generation Alpha and future generations.”

Meta says age checks should not fall on platforms alone

Meta insists it is committed to complying with the law, but argues that app stores should take responsibility for age verification and parental approvals, calling it a more “effective, standardised and privacy-preserving” approach.

Teens flagged as under 16 can request a review by submitting a video selfie or a government-issued ID. They may also download and save their posts, messages and videos before deactivation.

Other platforms prepare — and push back

The ban applies to nearly all major platforms: YouTube, TikTok, Snapchat, X, Reddit, Kick, Twitch, in addition to Meta’s apps.

  • YouTube, added late to the list, warned the law was “rushed” and argued that removing supervised teen accounts could make children less safe.
  • Photo-sharing apps Lemon8 and Yope were asked by the eSafety Commissioner to determine whether they fall under the ban. Lemon8 says it will block under-16s anyway; Yope maintains it is a private messenger, not a social platform.

Critics say the ban could isolate vulnerable teens and push children towards less-regulated corners of the internet.

Australia’s move is being closely watched by governments worldwide as they confront the question: should children be allowed on social media at all?