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Australia Begins Deactivating Social Media Accounts of Teens Under 16 Ahead of Landmark National Ban
Australia has begun enforcing one of the world’s strictest social media age restrictions, as Meta prepares to deactivate Instagram, Facebook and Threads accounts belonging to users under the age of 16. The move comes ahead of the country’s groundbreaking legislation, which formally bans people under 16 from accessing major social media platforms effective 10 December 2025.
The first wave of deactivations will begin on 4 December, with Meta already sending text messages, emails and in-app alerts to users believed to be between 13 and 15 years old. The notifications advise affected teenagers that their accounts will soon be disabled as the company moves to comply with the new law.
The Australian government says the measure is part of a broader effort to reduce digital pressure on young people and create safer online spaces. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has described the ban as a “world-leading intervention” intended to “let kids be kids” by limiting their exposure to potentially harmful online environments.
A Comprehensive National Ban Covering All Major Platforms
The law applies not only to Meta’s social apps but also to TikTok, YouTube, X, Reddit, and several other platforms assessed to pose risks to minors. According to the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), the regulator responsible for monitoring compliance, an estimated 150,000 Facebook users and 350,000 Instagram users aged 13–15 currently use Meta’s platforms within Australia.
From 4 December, no child below the age of 16 will be allowed to create an account on any Meta-owned app. Existing under-age accounts will also be disabled, with teenagers given the chance to download and save their photos, videos, chats and other content before full deactivation.
Meta has urged teenagers to update their contact details so that the company can notify them when they turn 16 and become eligible to return. Users who believe they have been wrongly identified as under-age will be allowed to request a review.
Age Verification Through Facial Scan or Government ID
To challenge a deactivation, Meta will require teenagers to undergo a facial age-scan verification using a short “video selfie”. They may also verify their age by submitting a driver’s licence or government-issued ID. These tools were tested earlier this year through assessments conducted by the Age Check Certification Scheme (ACCS) in the UK, as part of a review commissioned by an Australian state government.
While ACCS confirmed that the verification tools have strengths, it noted that no single method is foolproof, and enforcement will likely require a combination of approaches. Meta acknowledges these limitations but says the company is committed to meeting the requirements of the law using a “multi-layered” compliance strategy.
Platforms that fail to take “reasonable steps” to block under-16 users could face penalties of up to A$50 million, making this one of the toughest online safety frameworks globally.
Government Emphasizes Need to Protect Young People
Australia’s e-Safety Commissioner, Julie Inman Grant, has strongly supported the ban, describing it as a crucial step in protecting young people from negative online influences—including cyberbullying, adult content, grooming risks, and social comparison pressures.
“The intention is not to punish children, but to shield them from environments that can significantly impact their mental health and overall wellbeing,” she said.
In preparation for the rollout, the Commissioner’s office has issued clear guidelines listing platforms included in the ban. Those affected are:
- Kick
- Snapchat
- Threads
- TikTok
- X (formerly Twitter)
- YouTube
Platforms exempt from the ban include:
- Discord
- GitHub
- Google Classroom
- LEGO Play
- Messenger
- Roblox
- Steam
- YouTube Kids
Notably, Roblox, one of the most popular platforms among children, recently introduced new protections to avoid being captured by the ban. Beginning in December, children under 16 will no longer be able to chat with adult strangers. Mandatory age checks for communication features will launch first in Australia, New Zealand and the Netherlands before expanding globally in January.
Meta Calls for More Parental Involvement
Meta says it is working diligently to remove under-age accounts before the deadline, but warns lawmakers that enforcing the ban will require broader support. Antigone Davis, Meta’s Global Head of Safety, suggested that a system involving parental approval before minors download apps may be more effective than platform-based age checks alone.
“Teens are resourceful,” Davis noted. “Even with the strongest systems, many young people may still try to bypass age restrictions unless parents and guardians are part of the enforcement process.”
Growing Global Attention to Digital Age Limits
Australia’s approach is being closely watched by other countries exploring stricter rules around children’s access to social media. The move marks a significant shift toward tighter digital regulation, with several governments debating similar measures amid concerns about mental health crises among youth.
Tech giants have expressed varying degrees of resistance. Both Google and Meta previously urged the Australian government to delay the legislation, arguing that the rollout required more time for testing, consultation and system changes. However, the government insisted that rapid action was necessary due to rising concerns about online safety.
A Model for the World?
As the world grapples with the challenges of regulating social platforms, Australia’s decision stands out as one of the boldest attempts to protect young people online. Whether it becomes a global template—or triggers significant backlash from families and tech firms—remains to be seen.
For now, the message from Australian authorities is clear: the digital environment must evolve to safeguard children, and platforms must adapt, regardless of the operational complexity.
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