Meta has begun notifying Australian teenagers that their social media accounts will be permanently deactivated ahead of the government's sweeping social media ban coming into effect next month.
Notification Process Begins
Starting Thursday, Australian users under 16 across Facebook, Instagram and Threads are receiving warnings that their accounts will be shut down by December 10. The tech giant is sending these alerts through multiple channels including in-app messages, email and SMS notifications.
Affected teenagers will receive 14 days' notice before their access is completely removed. The company confirmed it will begin blocking under-16s from registering new accounts from December 4, with all affected accounts scheduled for deactivation by December 10.
Options for Affected Users
Teenagers facing account deactivation have several choices available to them. They can download and save their existing content including posts, messages and Reels before the shutdown date. Alternatively, they can wait until they turn 16 to regain access to their accounts with all content preserved exactly as they left it.
"When you turn 16 and can access our apps again all your content will be available exactly as you left it," confirmed Mia Garlick, Meta's regional policy director. The company is also encouraging parents to ensure their children have the correct birth date registered on their social media accounts.
Age Verification Challenges
Meta acknowledged that determining which accounts belong to under-16s presents significant challenges. The company declined to specify exactly how it identifies underage users to prevent circumvention of the ban.
For users mistakenly flagged as underage, Meta offers two verification methods: facial age assurance through video selfies or providing government ID using Yoti's age assurance technology. The company admits there will likely be errors in age estimation but considers this approach the least privacy-intrusive option available.
Messenger remains exempt from the ban, though Meta has had to develop new systems allowing users to maintain access to the messaging platform without an active Facebook account.
Industry Response and Compliance
Meta becomes the first major tech company to outline its compliance strategy ahead of the December 10 deadline. While complying with the legislation, the company continues to advocate for its alternative teen accounts system, which includes contact restrictions, advertising limits and parental controls.
Other platforms covered by the impending ban include TikTok, X, YouTube, Snapchat, Reddit and Kick. TikTok and Snapchat have confirmed they will comply with the regulations, while YouTube maintains it should be excluded from the ban and has considered legal action.
Elon Musk's X platform has expressed opposition to the ban but hasn't yet clarified whether it will comply. Meanwhile, NSW Libertarian politician John Ruddick plans to challenge the law in the high court on grounds of freedom of political communication.
Meta's global head of safety, Antigone Davis, emphasised that compliance with the law will be an ongoing and multi-layered process, indicating the company expects continued challenges in implementing the social media ban effectively.
