Instagram Begins Shutting Down Australian Teen Accounts Ahead of Nationwide Under-16 Social Media Ban
Instagram, Facebook and Threads have begun alerting young Australian users that their accounts will soon be deactivated, as the country prepares to enforce a sweeping ban on social media use for anyone under 16.
Meta, the parent company of the three platforms, confirmed it has started sending texts, emails and in-app notifications to users it believes are aged 13 to 15, warning that account shutdowns will begin on 4 December. The nationwide age ban takes effect on 10 December and applies across major platforms, including TikTok, YouTube, X and Reddit.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the measure as “world-leading”, saying it was designed to “let kids be kids”. While Meta and other tech companies oppose the law, they have stated they will comply.
Thousands of Teens Affected
Australia’s online regulator estimates there are around 350,000 Instagram users and 150,000 Facebook users in the 13–15 age group. From 4 December, no one under 16 will be able to create a new Meta account.
Meta is also urging teens to update their contact details so the company can notify them when they are old enough to return. Young users will be able to download their photos, videos and messages before their accounts are disabled.
Verification Through Face Scans or ID
Teens who believe they are incorrectly flagged can appeal the restriction. Meta says they may verify their age using:
- A video selfie for facial-age analysis
- A driver’s licence or other government-issued ID
These methods were assessed earlier this year by the UK-based Age Check Certification Scheme (ACCS), which noted that while each approach had benefits, none offered a perfect or universal solution.
Platforms that fail to take “reasonable steps” to block under-16s risk fines of up to A$50 million.
Meta’s global head of safety, Antigone Davis, said the company is working to remove all underage users ahead of the deadline, but stressed compliance will be “ongoing and multi-layered”. The firm has also said it would prefer a system requiring parental approval rather than an outright age ban.
Wider Industry Shift
In anticipation of the law, Roblox announced new restrictions this week, blocking users under 16 from chatting with unknown adults. Mandatory age verification for chat features begins in December for Australia, New Zealand and the Netherlands, before rolling out globally in January.
Platforms Affected by the Ban
Australia’s e-Safety Commissioner confirmed that the age ban applies to:
- Kick
- Snapchat
- Threads
- TikTok
- X (formerly Twitter)
- YouTube
Platforms not included in the ban include Discord, GitHub, Google Classroom, LEGO Play, Messenger, Roblox, Steam, WhatsApp and YouTube Kids.
e-Safety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant said the restrictions are intended to protect young users “from pressures and risks they can be exposed to while logged in to social media accounts.”
