Meta Removes 550,000 Under-16 Accounts in Australia, Issues Warning to Government
In a significant move aligned with Australia’s new strict social media regulations, Meta has taken action by removing over half a million accounts belonging to users under the age of 16. The company confirmed that between December 4 and December 11, it deleted a total of 550,000 accounts from its platforms, including Instagram, Facebook, and Threads. Meta identified these accounts as belonging to children under the age of 16, but despite this large-scale enforcement, the company has issued a stark warning to the Australian government.
Meta cautioned that imposing a blanket ban on certain social media platforms may ultimately fail to protect young users. The company argues that such sweeping restrictions could drive children toward less regulated or unmonitored digital spaces, undermining the law’s intended purpose.
Children Seek Alternative Platforms
Meta has warned Australian lawmakers that banning social media access does not make children abandon the internet—it simply pushes them to find workarounds. According to the company, young users are increasingly turning to apps that fall outside the scope of the new legislation. Instead of using platforms like Snapchat, many children are migrating to services such as Yope, Lemon8, and Discord. Additionally, a growing number of underage users are bypassing restrictions by using VPNs or logging into their parents’ accounts to continue accessing restricted platforms.
Meta described this situation as a game of cat and mouse, where blocking access in one place merely redirects children to another. The company stressed that without a coordinated and comprehensive approach, the ban risks becoming ineffective over time.
Meta Proposes Age Verification at the App Store Level
Rather than enforcing piecemeal restrictions on individual apps, Meta has suggested a more centralized solution. The company advocates for age verification to be implemented at the point where apps are downloaded—specifically, at the app store level. Meta revealed that it has collaborated with the OpenAge initiative to develop a tool called Age Keys. This system allows for accurate age verification using government-issued IDs, financial data, or facial estimation technology, all while preserving user privacy.
Meta argues that such an approach would create a uniform standard across all platforms, reducing loopholes and making it harder for underage users to circumvent restrictions. The company believes this method is more effective than targeting individual social media services one by one.
Government and Industry Responses
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has defended the new law, stating that it is essential for freeing children’s childhood from the grip of social media and empowering parents. He expressed confidence that the legislation will allow young people to reclaim their offline lives and enjoy a more balanced upbringing. Australia’s eSafety Commissioner has also voiced support for the measure, highlighting its potential to improve online safety for minors.
However, not all tech companies are complying quietly. Reddit, a widely used discussion platform, has launched a legal challenge against the ban. The company argues that the restriction is not only ineffective but also infringes on young people’s right to political discourse and free expression. Reddit contends that the law could stifle important conversations among youth, particularly on topics related to civic engagement and social issues.
As the debate continues, the effectiveness of Australia’s social media ban for teens remains uncertain. While Meta’s removal of hundreds of thousands of accounts demonstrates enforcement in action, the company’s warning highlights the complexity of regulating digital spaces in an era where young users are adept at finding alternative routes online.
