Meta has begun deleting the accounts of users under 16 on its platforms as Australia prepares to implement the world’s first nationwide ban on social media accounts for children. The new law, which takes effect on 10 December, will bar anyone under 16 from creating or maintaining accounts on Facebook, Instagram, Threads, Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Twitch, Reddit, and X.
Technology companies that fail to comply face penalties of up to 50 million Australian dollars (€28 million).
In a blog post released on 4 December, Meta said it had started removing accounts belonging to under-16 users across Instagram, Threads and Facebook. The company stated that the process would be completed by the time the ban becomes enforceable. New accounts created by children will also be automatically blocked.
While the ban applies to Meta-owned platforms, the company confirmed that children will still be able to keep a Messenger account, allowing them to stay in touch with family and friends without broader access to Facebook.
Meta said it began notifying affected users on 19 November, giving them two weeks to download their photos, messages and other data. Instagram users can export their information to external devices before the accounts are permanently deleted. The company added that it will store contact details for under-16 users who want to regain access once they turn 16.
For older users who find their accounts mistakenly removed, Meta said age verification tools — including government-issued ID checks or video selfies — will allow them to restore access.
Mia Garlick, Meta’s policy director for Australia and New Zealand, recently told parliament that about 450,000 underage users are active on Instagram and Facebook.
Although Meta will comply with the new rules, it has expressed objections to the approach. The company argues that cutting off teenagers from digital communities could reduce protections, as many safeguarding tools only function within logged-in environments. Meta is instead advocating for a system that requires parental approval for app downloads by children under 16, a model already used in several US states.
Snap Inc., TikTok and YouTube have also indicated they disagree with the policy but will adhere to it. TikTok and Snapchat are introducing age-assurance technologies to detect and remove accounts belonging to under-16 users ahead of the deadline.
The list of restricted apps may expand before the law takes effect. Guardian Australia reported that Lemon8, a lifestyle-focused platform owned by TikTok’s parent company ByteDance, has recently been added after a spike in user interest. Messaging apps such as WhatsApp and gaming platforms including Steam, Discord and Roblox are not currently included in the ban.
Australia’s eSafety Commissioner said the restrictions aim to reduce risks faced by young people online, even though children will still be able to view content without logging into an account.
