In an unprecedented global move, Australia’s implementation of a social media prohibition for users under 16 has resulted in the mass deactivation of hundreds of thousands of accounts across major platforms. Meta, the parent company of Instagram, Facebook, and Threads, reported disabling approximately 500,000 accounts during the initial enforcement period from December 4-11, 2023.
The landmark legislation, which took effect on December 10, mandates age restrictions across nine prominent social media platforms including Instagram, Threads, Facebook, TikTok, Snapchat, X, YouTube, Reddit, and Kick. This regulatory intervention automatically deactivates or removes accounts belonging to minors under 16 years of age.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese characterized the policy as “one of the biggest social and cultural changes that our nation has faced” during the initiative’s launch. He acknowledged the implementation “won’t be perfect” but emphasized its significance as a “profound reform” expected to influence global approaches to youth digital protection. The Prime Minister noted that several other nations are considering emulating Australia’s regulatory framework.
The legislative action follows News Corp’s ‘Let Them Be Kids’ advocacy campaign, with government officials stating the primary objective is to provide “greater peace of mind for Australian parents” regarding their children’s online activities.
Meta, while asserting compliance with the new regulations, has simultaneously advocated for alternative approaches to age verification. The technology corporation proposed that age validation would be more effectively implemented at the app store level rather than within individual applications. This methodology, Meta contends, would prevent the “whack-a-mole effect” of minors migrating to newer, less-regulated platforms to circumvent the restrictions.
The company further recommended establishing industry-wide incentives to develop “safe, privacy-preserving, age appropriate experiences online” as a more sustainable solution than blanket prohibitions. This position highlights the ongoing tension between regulatory intervention and technological innovation in addressing youth digital safety concerns.