It was bound to happen sooner or later — a government taking a bold swing at Big Tech. And now, Australia has done just that. Within days of enforcing its new social media law, Meta has already blocked hundreds of thousands of accounts, sparking both applause and outrage.
Australia’s Social Media Ban Sparks Global Debate
The country’s social media ban officially came into force in December, making it illegal for Australians under 16 to have accounts on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, or Threads. The law is the first of its kind to include no parental exemption, effectively cutting off all access for minors, even with adult supervision.
Meta said it blocked 550,000 accounts in the first week of compliance — including over 330,000 on Instagram, 173,000 on Facebook, and nearly 40,000 on Threads, reports BBC. The company described the law as a “blanket restriction,” one that may protect some children but could also push others toward riskier corners of the internet.
Supporters of the move call it historic. Advocates for online safety have long argued that social platforms expose children to harmful content, predatory behavior, and toxic algorithms that can shape mental health and self-esteem. The government insists the goal isn’t punishment, but protection.
Meta Pushes for a Different Solution
In response, Meta urged the government to reconsider its approach. The tech giant argued that age verification should occur at the app store level, not within individual platforms, saying that would ensure consistency and reduce the regulatory burden.
Meta also pushed for a parental consent option — something that’s common in U.S. and European digital safety laws. In a statement, the company warned that without a broader industry framework, “young people will simply migrate to other apps,” creating a “whack-a-mole” problem for regulators trying to keep up.
Supporters and Critics Clash
Parents, by contrast, have largely welcomed the change. Many see the ban as overdue, saying social platforms have had years to fix their problems and have done little. The policy is already being studied abroad — with Florida and the UK’s Conservative Party both hinting at adopting similar measures.
But not everyone’s convinced. Child development experts and digital rights advocates worry the law could backfire, driving teenagers to lie about their age or turn to less secure platforms. Others fear it might cut off young people from vital online support networks, especially LGBTQ+ teens or those living in remote communities.
The Start of a Global Shift?
For now, Australia’s social media ban stands as the world’s strictest. Whether it becomes a model for others or a cautionary tale remains to be seen. Either way, it has thrown down the gauntlet to Big Tech — and the rest of the world is watching closely to see who blinks first.
