Australia Launches Initiative to Remove Minors from Social Media

Meta has set in motion the removal of users below the age of 16 from its services in Australia, just one week before the formal implementation of the nation’s groundbreaking social media regulation. The company had previously informed users aged 13 to 15 that their profiles would commence closure starting December 4, affecting approximately 150,000 Facebook accounts and 350,000 Instagram profiles. Additionally, Threads, which utilizes Instagram logins, will also be impacted.

The legislation, which is a first on a global scale, is set to take effect on December 10. Social media platforms could incur fines up to A$49.5 million if they do not adequately enforce restrictions preventing under-16 individuals from accessing their services.

A representative from Meta stated that the compliance process will be “ongoing and multi-layered,” emphasizing that a universal age verification system based on app stores would offer better consistency and privacy than individual checks for each application. According to the firm, teenagers flagged as underage can retrieve their posts, messages, and videos before their accounts are deactivated. Those disputing their age verification may appeal the decision by submitting a video selfie or an ID issued by the government.

The prohibition will apply to Meta’s platforms, along with YouTube, X, TikTok, Snapchat, Reddit, Kick, and Twitch. The Australian government aims to protect youth from damaging online scenarios, including violent material, cyberbullying, grooming, and content that encourages self-harm or eating disorders. However, some critics argue that distancing teenagers from mainstream platforms may push them toward unregulated networks.

Communications Minister Anika Wells noted potential challenges during the rollout but underscored the importance of safeguarding Generation Alpha and forthcoming users from the addictive nature of social media. She referred to the algorithmic design of these platforms as a “dopamine drip” that children are exposed to as soon as they engage with smartphones.

A report commissioned by the government earlier this year indicated that 96% of Australian children aged 10 to 15 use social media, with 70% encountering harmful content and over half experiencing cyberbullying.