What's Happening?
Meta has announced that it will block Australian users under the age of 16 from accessing Instagram, Facebook, and Threads by December 10. This move is in compliance with Australia's new social media ban
for teenagers. The company is notifying users aged 13 to 15 through in-app messages, emails, and texts about the impending shutdown of their accounts. Starting December 4, Meta will begin deactivating accounts and blocking new sign-ups for users under 16. The process is expected to be completed by December 10. Meta plans to use various age assurance methods to comply with the ban, adopting a 'data minimisation approach' to verify users' ages. Australia's internet regulator estimates there are approximately 150,000 Facebook users and 350,000 Instagram users aged between 13 and 15 in the country.
Why It's Important?
Australia's social media ban represents one of the most comprehensive governmental efforts to regulate minors' access to social media platforms. This initiative is being closely monitored by regulators worldwide, as it places the responsibility on social media companies to take 'reasonable steps' to prevent minors from creating accounts. Platforms that fail to comply with the law could face fines of up to $49.5 million. The ban highlights the growing concern over the impact of social media on young users and the need for stricter regulations to protect them. It also sets a precedent for other countries considering similar measures, potentially influencing global social media policies.
