Meta announced it will remove all Australian users under the age of 16 from its Facebook and Instagram platforms ahead of a new national ban. The company stated it would begin notifying affected 13 to 15-year-old account holders that their access will be revoked, with the removal process starting in early December. This action anticipates official Australian legislation, set to take effect, that will prohibit social media platforms from serving users under 16.
The Australian government's law will impose substantial financial penalties on companies that fail to comply. Meta expressed disagreement with the policy, stating that completely isolating teenagers from their online communities is not an effective solution for online safety. The company outlined a process for those mistakenly flagged as underage to verify their age using identification or a video selfie.
This Australian initiative represents one of the world's most restrictive social media age bans. Other nations, including New Zealand and the Netherlands, are considering or advising similar measures. Some analysts, however, question the law's enforceability and practical effectiveness, citing challenges with reliable online age verification.
The Australian government's law will impose substantial financial penalties on companies that fail to comply. Meta expressed disagreement with the policy, stating that completely isolating teenagers from their online communities is not an effective solution for online safety. The company outlined a process for those mistakenly flagged as underage to verify their age using identification or a video selfie.
This Australian initiative represents one of the world's most restrictive social media age bans. Other nations, including New Zealand and the Netherlands, are considering or advising similar measures. Some analysts, however, question the law's enforceability and practical effectiveness, citing challenges with reliable online age verification.
