Summary
Meta is removing accounts of Australian children under 16 from platforms like Instagram and Facebook. This is in response to a new Australian law that will ban children under 16 from using social media, starting December 10. Meta, along with other companies, must comply to avoid large fines.
Key Facts
- Meta will shut down accounts for children under 16 on Instagram, Facebook, and Threads starting December 4.
- Approximately 500,000 accounts on Facebook and Instagram are expected to be affected.
- Australia’s social media ban for under-16s begins on December 10.
- Companies can face fines up to A$49.5 million if they don't comply with the ban.
- Meta suggests app stores verify user ages and require parental approval for users under 16.
- Teens can appeal if they are incorrectly identified as under 16 by providing age proof like a video selfie or government ID.
- Other platforms affected by the ban include YouTube, X, TikTok, and others.
- Australia's Communications Minister said the ban aims to protect young people from negative effects of social media.
