KUALA LUMPUR – Australians under the age of 16 will be removed from Facebook and Instagram beginning December 4, tech giant Meta has announced.
The move comes as Australia prepares to implement a new law banning teenagers from using social media platforms—including Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok—from December 10, with companies facing hefty fines for non-compliance.
Meta said it would begin deactivating under-16 accounts ahead of the ban taking effect, AFP reported.
“From today, Meta will notify Australian users identified as aged 13 to 15 that they will lose access to Instagram, Threads, and Facebook,” the company said in a statement.
“Meta will begin blocking new under-16 accounts and revoking existing access starting December 4, with the expectation of removing all identified under-16 users by December 10. These teenagers will be able to access their accounts exactly as they left them once they turn 16.”
Social media companies have previously described the law as “vague,” “problematic,” and “rushed.”
On Thursday, Meta again expressed concerns over the ban.
“We share the Australian Government’s goal of creating safe, age-appropriate online experiences, but cutting teens off from their friends and communities isn’t the solution,” it said.
The new law, passed in the Australian Parliament despite objections over free speech and impacts on digital content creators, requires platforms to block minors from accessing their services.
TikTok, which previously told Parliament it has around 200,000 users aged 13 to 15, is developing a “report underage user” feature to assist with enforcement. – November 20, 2025