Meta today started the process of removing access to Instagram, Threads, and Facebook for teens under 16.
This also means blocking the creation of new accounts for under-16 year-olds in compliance with Australia’s December 10 social media ban.
“We share the government’s goal of creating safer, age-appropriate online experiences, however blanket bans bring their own set of challenges,” said Will Easton, VP and managing director, Meta Australia.
“We have invested in tools and protections to help keep young people safe online, and we will continue to advocate for solutions that balance safety, privacy, and the positive connections young Australians find on our platforms.
“For advertisers, we offered limited opportunities to target younger audiences and expect minimal to no impact on ad performance for most customers following the ban.
“We’re proud to offer advertising solutions that prioritise the safety and well-being of young people, while helping businesses connect with their audiences responsibly.”
From today Meta will begin notifying Australian users it understands to be aged 13-15 that they will soon lose access to Instagram, Threads and Facebook.
Users will receive 14 days notice via a combination of in-app messages, email and SMS.
Meta will begin removing access to existing accounts and blocking new under 16 users from December 4, and expects to remove access for all users understood to be under 16 by December 10 .
Young users can download and save their posts, messages and Reels. They can also update contact details so Meta can reach out to them when they turn 16.
They can also opt to delete their accounts.
And they can continue to use Messenger, which is outside of the scope of the new law.
If someone over 16 is mistakenly flagged, they can verify their age using video selfie or government ID, via Yoti.
Users changing their age from under 16 to over 16 must verify their age.
“While we are working hard to remove all users who we understand to be under the age of 16 by 10 December, compliance with the law will be an ongoing and multi-layered process,” said Antigone Davis, vice president and global head of safety, Meta.
“Though we are committed to compliance, we must also acknowledge the findings of the Age Assurance Technology Trial, which recognises the particular challenges of age assurance at the novel 16 age boundary,” said Davis.
“We believe a better approach is required: a standard, more accurate, and privacy-preserving system, such as OS/app store-level age verification.
“This, combined with our investments in ongoing efforts to assure age and verify that signal and provide age-appropriate experiences like Teen Accounts, offers a more comprehensive protection for young people online."
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