Meta has begun blocking under-16 users in Australia from accessing Instagram, Threads and Facebook in preparation for the implementation of the youth social media ban law that comes into effect on December 10, 2025.
A Meta spokesperson said efforts to block under-16 accounts were ongoing and that the legal compliance process would be ongoing. Australia has required 10 major platforms including TikTok and YouTube to block users under the age of 16, with companies facing fines of up to A$49.5 million (~RM 209 million) if they fail to take reasonable steps.
The ban is expected to affect hundreds of thousands of teenagers, including an estimated 350,000 Instagram users aged 13 to 15. However, several popular apps such as Roblox, Pinterest and WhatsApp are still exempt, while Twitch was only added less than two weeks ago.
Meta stressed its commitment to complying with Australian law but suggested that app stores also be responsible for age verification. The company said the move would prevent teenagers from having to verify their age repeatedly across apps.
YouTube, meanwhile, criticized the ban, arguing that teenagers are more vulnerable because they can still browse the site without an account but lose safety filters.
Australia's Communications Minister Anika Wells rejected the argument and insisted that inappropriate content was the platform's responsibility. She also revealed a case of teenagers in Australia committing suicide due to social media algorithms that undermined their self-esteem. However, she said the law may not solve all problems but at least help teenagers become better themselves.
Meanwhile, digital rights group Digital Freedom Project challenged the law in the Australian High Court on the grounds of curbing freedom of expression. However, cybersecurity authorities admitted that there was no effective solution because teenagers could potentially use fake identities to circumvent restrictions.
