Meta Urges Australia to Reconsider Social Media Ban for Under-16s

Meta has urged the Australian government to reconsider its recent ban on social media accounts for individuals under 16, emphasizing the need for collaborative solutions. The Online Safety Amendment Act 2024, effective December 10, 2025, prohibits users under 16 from holding accounts on major platforms, including Meta's Facebook, Instagram, and Threads.

In response, Meta has removed nearly 550,000 accounts suspected to belong to underage users between December 4 and 11, 2025. This includes approximately 330,000 accounts on Instagram, 173,500 on Facebook, and 40,000 on Threads.

Meta stated its commitment to compliance but called for constructive engagement with the government to explore alternatives to blanket bans. The company highlighted the need for industry-wide standards to provide safe, age-appropriate online experiences.

The company also noted that many Australian teens are circumventing the ban by migrating to alternative platforms not covered by the legislation, such as Yope and Lemon8. This shift underscores the challenges in enforcing the ban and the potential for unintended consequences.

The Australian government maintains that the ban aims to protect young users from online harms, including cyberbullying and exposure to harmful content. Communications Minister Anika Wells emphasized that platforms are obligated to use their technology to safeguard children.

The effectiveness and enforcement of the ban continue to be subjects of debate among policymakers, tech companies, and the public.