Archive · 20 Nov 2025
Meta Blocks Australians Under 16 from Instagram, Facebook by Dec 10
Meta, the company that owns Instagram, Facebook, and Threads, is going to stop Australian kids under 16 from using these apps.
They're telling kids aged 13-15 that their accounts will be shut down.
This is because Australia's government wants to keep kids off social media.
Meta will try to make sure no under-16s are using their apps, but they'll still let kids update their contact details or delete their accounts if they want to.
Meta will block Australian users under 16 from Instagram, Facebook, and Threads by December 10
The company has started notifying users aged 13-15 about account deactivation
Meta will use age assurance methods and a data minimization approach to comply with the ban
Affected teenagers can update contact details, download data, or delete accounts
Australia's social media ban for minors is one of the most comprehensive globally
- Who
- Meta, Australian users under 16
- What
- Blocked from using Instagram, Facebook, and Threads
- When
- By December 10, 2022
- Where
- Australia
- Why
- To comply with Australia's social media ban for minors
Protecting Minors' Online Safety
Potential Overreach and Privacy Concerns
Age-Appropriate Content
Protecting Minors' Online Safety
Protects minors from inappropriate content and online predators
Potential Overreach and Privacy Concerns
May limit access to educational and supportive online communities
- Age Limit
- Under 16
- Apps Affected
- Instagram, Facebook, Threads
- Deadline
- December 10, 2022
- Fine for Non-Compliance
- Up to A$49.5 million ($32.09 million)
Sources
Meta to block Australian teens under 16 from Instagram, Facebook and Threads by 10 December
Meta To Remove Social Media Accounts Of Australians Under 16 By December 10
Meta to remove Australians under-16 from Facebook, Instagram on December 4
Instagram to shut accounts of Australian teens ahead of under-16 social media ban
Meta Australia to ban under-16s from Facebook, Instagram: How whistleblowers and a determined government forced a Big Tech giant to act
