Social media giant Meta has announced it will block access to Instagram, Facebook and Threads for all users under the age of 16 in Australia, marking one of the most significant youth protection measures in the country's digital history.
The Implementation Timeline
The sweeping ban will come into full effect by 10 December 2025, aligning with Australia's new social media legislation targeting young teenagers. Meta confirmed it has already begun notifying users aged between 13 and 15 that their accounts will be permanently shut down.
The company is using multiple communication channels including in-app messages, email and text notifications to alert affected teenagers. The deactivation process will commence on 4 December, with the complete blocking of new sign-ups from anyone under 16 years old.
Compliance and Age Verification Methods
Meta has committed to employing several age assurance techniques to enforce the ban effectively. The company emphasised it will adopt a "data minimisation approach", only requesting additional verification when there's reasonable doubt about a user's stated age.
Antigone Davis, Meta's vice president and global head of safety, stated: "While we are working hard to remove all users who we understand to be under the age of 16 by 10 December, compliance with the law will be an ongoing and multi-layered process."
Scale of Impact and User Statistics
According to Australia's internet regulator, the ban will affect approximately 350,000 Instagram users and around 150,000 Facebook users aged between 13 and 15. No official data has been published regarding Threads users in this age bracket.
Meta has assured that affected teenagers can update their contact details to receive notifications when they become eligible to reopen accounts upon turning 16. The company previously indicated to Australian politicians that access removal would only begin once the law officially takes effect on 10 December.
The social media ban represents Australia's latest move in regulating digital platforms and protecting younger users from potential online harms, setting a precedent that other nations may follow in the coming years.
