Australia's new federal rule requires social platforms to deactivate accounts belonging to users under 16 by Dec. 10; Meta has begun complying and will block new under-16 sign-ups from Dec. 4. Affected users will receive 14 days' notice and can download posts and Reels; access will be restored when they turn 16. The measure covers multiple platforms, though some have questioned the law; officials say the policy aims to protect teens from online risks.
Australia to Deactivate Social Accounts for Under-16s — Meta Begins Compliance as Platforms Push Back
Australia's new federal rule requires social platforms to deactivate accounts belonging to users under 16 by Dec. 10; Meta has begun complying and will block new under-16 sign-ups from Dec. 4. Affected users will receive 14 days' notice and can download posts and Reels; access will be restored when they turn 16. The measure covers multiple platforms, though some have questioned the law; officials say the policy aims to protect teens from online risks.
04:53 AM, 11/21/2025Technology
Australia has passed a new federal requirement that will see social media accounts belonging to users under 16 deactivated by Dec. 10. Meta has begun implementing the rule for Facebook, Threads and Instagram, and will block new sign-ups from people under 16 starting Dec. 4.
What will happen
Accounts that Meta believes belong to people under 16 will receive 14 days' notice via in-app messages, email and SMS before deactivation. Affected users can download and save their posts and Reels before their accounts are turned off. Meta says those who return after turning 16 will find their content restored exactly as it was.
"When you turn 16, and can access our apps again, all your content will be available exactly as you left it,"
Mia Garlick, Meta's regional policy director.
Scope and compliance
The new rule targets several major platforms. In addition to Meta's services, it applies to TikTok, YouTube, X, Snapchat, Kick and Reddit. Some platforms, including YouTube and X, have publicly questioned the law and not confirmed whether they will comply.
Facebook Messenger is exempt from the restriction; Meta has implemented a workaround so people can still access Messenger without an active Facebook profile.
"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,"
Antigone Davis, Meta's global head of safety.
Why officials support it
Australia's internet regulator estimates roughly 150,000 Facebook users and about 350,000 Instagram users are aged 13 to 15. The country's eSafety Commissioner has said the measure is intended to protect teens from online pressures and risks associated with being logged in to social media.
Authorities and platform representatives say verification and removal will be complex and iterative. Meta has asked parents to work with children to ensure correct birth dates are registered on social accounts.
Related changes
Separately, the Roblox gaming platform announced that minors will no longer be allowed to chat with adult strangers — another move aimed at reducing risks to young users online.
What users should do now: If you or someone you manage might be affected, download any content you want to keep, verify account details where possible, and watch for official notices from platforms about next steps.