Australia Enforces Social Media Ban: Meta Removing Under-16 Users from Facebook and Instagram by December 10

Meta announced it will commence removing Australian users under the age of 16 from Facebook and Instagram on December 4, in compliance with Australia's upcoming social media restrictions.

The tech giant confirmed that starting December 10, Australia will enforce new legislation requiring social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok to remove all users under 16 years old or face substantial financial penalties.

According to Meta's statement released Thursday, the company has begun notifying Australian users between 13-15 years old that their access to Instagram, Threads, and Facebook will soon be terminated.

"Meta will begin blocking new under-16 accounts and revoking existing access from 4 December, expecting to remove all known under-16s by 10 December," the company stated.

The tech company assured affected teenagers that they would be able to regain access to their accounts "exactly as you left it" once they reach the age of 16.

Social media companies have previously expressed concerns about these regulations, describing them as "vague," "problematic," and "rushed."

Meta reiterated its concerns in Thursday's announcement, stating: "We share the Australian Government's goal of creating safe, age-appropriate online experiences, but cutting teens off from their friends and communities isn't the answer."