Meta Platforms has blocked around 550,000 accounts in Australia as part of compliance with the country’s new law banning people under 16 from using social media platforms. The company confirmed the action took place during the first days of enforcement.
TL; DR
Meta blocked nearly 550,000 accounts in Australia under the new under-16 social media ban.
- The accounts include Facebook, Instagram, and Threads users.
- The Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Act took effect on December 10, 2025.
- Non-compliance may attract fines up to AUD 49.5 million.
Meta’s Compliance With Australia’s New Law
Meta said it has removed approximately 550,000 accounts belonging to Australian users under the age of 16 to meet new regulatory requirements.
According to Meta, this includes around 330,000 Instagram accounts, 173,000 Facebook accounts, and about 40,000 Threads accounts.
The company stated that the removals were part of its efforts to comply with Australia’s Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Act, which makes it illegal for anyone under 16 to hold a social media account.
Meta confirmed that these actions were carried out between December 4 and December 11, 2025, coinciding with the first week of the law’s implementation.
The Law Behind The Move
The Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Act came into effect on December 10, 2025, following parliamentary approval earlier in the year.
The law prohibits Australians under 16 from having social media accounts and requires major companies to take reasonable steps to prevent minors from accessing their platforms.
Failure to comply can result in fines of up to AUD 49.5 million or 10% of annual turnover, whichever is greater.
The law applies to major platforms including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Snapchat, X (formerly Twitter), Reddit, and Threads.
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Meta’s Statement
A Meta spokesperson said the company used a mix of AI-driven age estimation tools and manual verification systems to identify and remove underage accounts.
The spokesperson said Meta supports the intent of the new regulation and will continue cooperating with Australian authorities.
The company added that further actions will be taken if additional under-16 accounts are detected.
Government And Regulator Response
Australia’s eSafety Commissioner confirmed Meta’s compliance as part of the law’s early enforcement phase.
The Commissioner said platforms must maintain ongoing monitoring and report compliance data periodically.
Other major social media companies, including TikTok and YouTube, have been given until early 2026 to demonstrate similar measures.
Summary
Meta’s blocking of over half a million accounts marks the largest single enforcement action under Australia’s new social media age restrictions.
Authorities said the measure is part of a wider plan to ensure digital platforms protect children and adhere to national safety standards.
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