Meta to block under-16 Facebook and Instagram accounts in Australia from Dec 10

Meta is preparing to deactivate the accounts of all Australian users under the age of 16 on its popular platforms, including Instagram, Facebook, and Threads, beginning in December. This significant policy change comes as a direct response to new, strict social media regulations introduced by the Australian government. With this move, Meta becomes the first major tech company to align with these regulations designed to protect young users online. In the lead-up to the changes, Meta has started informing users aged 13 to 15 through in-app notifications, emails, and text messages about the impending deactivation of their accounts. The company will initiate the process of disabling existing accounts and preventing new registrations for those under 16 on December 4. The full implementation of these measures is expected to be completed by December 10, coinciding with the official enactment of the law. According to Australia’s internet regulator, this decision will significantly impact the youth demographic, with around 150,000 Facebook users and 350,000 Instagram users in the 13-to-15 age group anticipated to lose access. This legislation is viewed as one of the most comprehensive efforts globally to regulate minors’ access to social media platforms. The new law imposes a clear legal obligation on social media companies to take "reasonable steps" to prevent underage access, with substantial financial repercussions for non-compliance. Fines for violations could reach up to A$49.5 million (approximately $32.09 million or Rs 283.85 Crore). To enforce these restrictions, Meta has confirmed it will utilize various age verification techniques. The company will implement a "data minimisation approach," meaning that additional verification details will only be requested when there is a valid reason to question a user's stated age. According to Meta's global head of safety, ensuring compliance will be an "ongoing and multi-layered process." Before deactivation, affected teenage users will have the option to download their personal data, permanently delete their accounts, or update their contact information to be notified when they reach the age of 16, allowing them to rejoin the platforms in the future.