Meta is preparing to implement a new social media ban for Australians under the age of 16, starting December 10. The company has begun notifying young users, warning them that their accounts will be restricted after December 4. Meta sent these alerts via SMS and email, encouraging teenagers to download their data and delete their accounts.
The new rule stems from Australian government legislation requiring social media platforms to limit access for users under 16. Meta, which owns Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, is the first company to announce compliance with the law. According to Meta, around 500,000 Australians aged 13 to 15 are currently on these platforms.
Under the new law, platforms such as Meta, Snapchat, TikTok, X, and YouTube will face penalties if they fail to enforce age restrictions. Companies can be fined up to 50 million Australian dollars ($33 million) for allowing underage users to access their services.
Meta has also explained that teens can update their contact details to regain access once they turn 16. However, some concerns have been raised about the age verification process, particularly regarding the accuracy of facial recognition technology. Critics argue that such systems have failure rates of at least 5%.
The law has generated mixed reactions. While some support it, saying children under 16 are better off offline, others believe social media companies should be regulated to ensure safety, rather than implementing a blanket ban. The debate continues as Australia moves ahead with this unprecedented step in social media regulation.
