Meta Begins Removing Under-16s from Australian Social Media Platforms Amid Government Ban
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In a move to comply with Australia's landmark social media law, Meta announced it will start removing users under 16 from its platforms, including Instagram, Threads, and Facebook. The law, set to take effect on December 10, requires social media platforms to block users under 16 and face fines of up to Aus$49.5 million if they fail to comply. Meta has stated that its removal process will be an ongoing effort, with younger users able to save and download their online histories. Once a user turns 16, they will be notified and allowed to regain access to the platforms, with their content restored exactly as it was left. Meta has also called for app stores to verify the ages of users under 16, rather than relying on social media platforms to do so. This, the company argues, would eliminate the need for repeated age verification across different apps. The move has sparked a debate, with YouTube arguing that the ban will make young Australians 'less safe' by allowing under-16s to access the website without an account. However, Communications Minister Anika Wells has dismissed this argument, stating that YouTube needs to address its own content issues rather than blaming the government's law.
