Meta has begun removing Australian children under the age of 16 from its popular platforms, including Instagram, Facebook, and Threads, in anticipation of a significant new government regulation. The initiative aims to comply with a much-debated law that is set to go into effect on December 10, making Australia the first nation to enact such a social media ban.
In a notification sent to users aged between 13 and 15 years old, Meta announced account closures would commence on December 4. This measure is expected to affect approximately 150,000 Facebook and 350,000 Instagram accounts, significantly impacting the online presence of the nation's youth.
The impending law mandates that social media companies can face hefty fines—up to A$49.5 million (US$33 million)—if they fail to enforce age restrictions effectively. Meta stated that ongoing compliance efforts are crucial, yet advocates call for a standardized approach similar to their recommendations for app store age verification systems.
Australian Communications Minister Anika Wells acknowledged potential 'teething problems' during the law's rollout, emphasizing its goal to protect younger generations from harmful online content. Critics, however, argue that the ban may inadvertently lead children towards less regulated platforms and strengthen their isolation.
Alongside Meta, the ban will also impact platforms such as YouTube, TikTok, Snapchat, Reddit, and Twitch, as the government seeks to create safer online spaces for minors amid concerning statistics regarding harmful content exposure among Australian children.
As the social media landscape adapts to these new regulations, the world will be watching closely to see how this unprecedented action unfolds.
