Meta to Stop Instagram, Facebook, and Threads for Under-16 Users in Australia

Introduction to the Ban

Meta will stop Instagram, Facebook, and Threads for users in Australia under the age of 16. The lockdown will be in effect until December 10th, as part of the nationwide social media ban on young teenagers.

Implementation of the Ban

Meta, which operates the three apps, has begun notifying users between the ages of 13 and 15 that their accounts will be closed through in-app messages, emails, and text messages. Starting December 4th, accounts will be deactivated and new logins will be blocked for those under 16. The company expects the process to be completed by December 10.

Age Verification and Compliance

The company will use multiple age verification methods to comply with the ban and will take a "data minimization approach," only seeking additional information when it has reason to doubt a user’s stated age. Compliance with the law will be an ongoing and multi-faceted process.

Affected Users

There are around 350,000 Instagram users and around 150,000 Facebook users in Australia who are between 13 and 15 years old. No data has been published for Threads. Affected teens can update their contact information to be notified once they turn 16.

Ongoing Process

While Meta works hard to remove all users known to be under 16 by December 10, the company acknowledges that compliance with the law will require continuous effort. The ban is part of a broader initiative to regulate social media use among young teenagers in Australia.