Meta to remove users under 16 from Instagram and Facebook in Australia starting on a specified date.

In response to growing concerns about the impact of social media on youth, Australia is implementing a new law that will ban children under 16 from accessing platforms like Facebook and Instagram. This move, hailed by some advocates as a necessary step for safeguarding young users, has drawn criticism over its potential effects on mental health, privacy, and the information landscape available to adolescents. As nations around the world grapple with similar issues, Australia’s approach may pave the way for a broader conversation about social media regulation and the balance between safety and access.

Meta Platforms has announced plans to restrict access to Facebook and Instagram for Australians younger than 16, in anticipation of a new law set to take effect on December 10. This legislative change, spearheaded by the Australian government, comes with significant penalties for non-compliance, including fines of up to 49.5 million Australian dollars (approximately 32 million USD) for social media companies. Starting December 4, Meta will begin the removal process for accounts held by users aged 13 to 15, marking a significant shift in how social media interacts with younger demographics.

According to Australian government data, around 350,000 Instagram users and 150,000 Facebook users fall within the 13 to 15 age bracket. In a notification to relevant users, Meta stated, “Soon, you’ll no longer be able to use Facebook, and your profile won’t be visible to you or others. When you turn 16, we’ll let you know that you can start using Facebook again.” In addition to Meta’s platforms, the ban encompasses several other popular social media applications, including Reddit, Snapchat, TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube.

Youth advocates have voiced their concerns regarding the potential fallout from this sweeping legislative change. Leo Puglisi, an 18-year-old journalist and founder of 6 News Australia, testified before an Australian Senate inquiry, emphasizing the rights of young people to access credible news and information. “A 15-year-old can’t access any news or political information on social media. I just don’t think that adds up,” he remarked. Senator David Shoebridge also raised alarms over the decision, noting that an estimated 2.4 million young Australians would be affected by the ban, coinciding with the onset of school holidays.

Concerns have also been voiced about the legislation’s implications for privacy and mental health. John Pane from Electronic Frontiers Australia highlighted that while the ban aims to shield youth from unsuitable online content, it may inadvertently heighten risks related to identity data collection and cybersecurity threats. With many Australians under 16 lacking official government identification, social media companies may resort to innovative and potentially intrusive methods to verify users’ ages, including requiring them to submit video recordings.

Internationally, Australia’s initiative is being closely watched as it potentially sets a precedent for other nations considering similar measures. New Zealand is reportedly looking into analogous legislation, while Indonesia has indicated plans to protect young individuals from perceived online dangers. In Europe, the Dutch government has been advocating for parents to prohibit children under 15 from engaging with various social media applications.

As discussions about the implications of social media for younger users continue, Australia’s path may spark a broader global dialogue about user safety, privacy, and the role of technology in the lives of youth. In a rapidly changing digital environment, the balance between protection and access remains a critical issue for policymakers and society alike.

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