Meta blocks many accounts as Australia bans kids on social media
The law, which came into effect in December, prohibits users under 16 from holding accounts on platforms such as Instagram and Facebook. The measure—considered the toughest of its kind globally—was introduced to shield minors from harmful content and manipulative algorithms.
Meta confirmed that it had removed 330,639 Instagram accounts, 173,497 Facebook accounts, and 39,916 Threads accounts to comply with the legislation. While the company acknowledged the importance of protecting young users, it reiterated its preference for alternative solutions.
In a blog post, Meta urged the government to work with industry to raise safety standards, suggesting app store level age verification and parental approval exemptions as more effective approaches.
The company warned that blanket bans risk creating a “whack a mole” scenario, with teens migrating to new apps to bypass restrictions.
Globally, governments are experimenting with ways to limit children’s access to social media. Florida and the European Union have introduced measures, but Australia stands out for setting the age threshold at 16 and refusing parental consent exemptions, making its policy the strictest in the world.
The ban has proven highly popular among parents and has attracted international attention. In the UK, the Conservative Party pledged to adopt similar rules if elected in the next general election, expected before 2029.
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