Tech giant Meta has begun removing users under 16 years old from its platforms Instagram, Threads, and Facebook in Australia, ahead of the country’s world-first youth social media ban. The legislation requires major online platforms to block underage users by December 10, 2025.

A Meta spokesperson stated on Thursday, “While we are working hard to remove all users who we understand to be under the age of 16 by December 10, compliance with the law will be an ongoing and multilayered process.”

Australia’s Landmark Under-16 Social Media Ban

Australia’s new law affects 10 major online platforms, including TikTok, YouTube, and Meta apps, requiring them to prevent access to anyone under the age of 16. Companies that fail to take “reasonable steps” to comply could face fines of 49.5 million Australian dollars (approximately $32 million USD).

Instagram alone reports roughly 350,000 Australian users aged 13 to 15, indicating the law could impact hundreds of thousands of teens nationwide. Some platforms, such as Roblox, Pinterest, and WhatsApp, are currently exempt, though the list remains under review. Notably, Twitch was added to the compliance list less than two weeks ago.

Platforms Push Back

Meta has expressed support for the law but suggested that app stores should be primarily responsible for age verification and parental approval, arguing that teens should not have to repeatedly verify their age across different apps. The company stated:

“Social media platforms could then use this verified age information to ensure teens are in age-appropriate experiences.”

Similarly, YouTube criticized the ban, claiming it could make young Australians “less safe,” since users under 16 could still access content without an account, but lose key safety filters.

Government Response

Australia’s Communications Minister Anika Wells dismissed YouTube’s concerns as “weird,” emphasizing the law’s intent to reduce online harms. Wells cited incidents where algorithm-driven content had negatively affected teen mental health, leading in some cases to tragic outcomes.

She stated, “This specific law will not fix every harm occurring on the internet, but it will make it easier for kids to chase a better version of themselves.”

Legal Challenges and Global Interest

The Digital Freedom Project, an internet rights advocacy group, challenged the law in Australia’s High Court, calling it an “unfair” restriction on freedom of speech.

Globally, regulators are watching closely to see if Australia’s restrictions can succeed. Malaysia plans to introduce a similar ban next year, and countries such as the European Union, France, Denmark, Greece, Romania, and New Zealand have expressed interest in setting a minimum age for social media use.

Challenges Ahead

Platforms will need to prevent teens from circumventing the ban, such as by using fake IDs, though authorities acknowledge that no solution will be 100% effective. The legislation marks a pioneering step in global efforts to address online safety, child protection, and social media regulation.