Meta is starting to notify Australian teens that their social media accounts will be deactivated by December 10, 2025, in line with the government’s upcoming social media ban. This sweeping move affects Facebook, Instagram, and Threads users under 16, marking a major shift in how the platforms operate in Australia.
A Big Change for Young Aussies on Social Media
For many young Australians, social media has become a vital part of their daily routine. However, as the clock ticks down to December 10, those under the age of 16 will receive a 14-day notice before their accounts are shut down. Meta is sending notifications through in-app messages, emails, and SMS to give users a heads-up, which means many teens will soon be locked out of Facebook and Instagram.
The company has set a clear deadline: starting on December 4, Meta will begin blocking under-16s from registering new accounts. The full deactivation process will be completed by December 10, with all accounts affected by the ban officially closed. While this may sound like a drastic change, Meta is offering teens the chance to download their content before it’s gone. They can save posts, messages, and even videos, ensuring they have a copy of their digital memories if they choose to delete their account.
But what happens when a teen turns 16? Well, according to Mia Garlick, Meta’s regional policy director, when a user turns 16, they will be able to return to their account and access everything they left behind. There’s no rush to permanently delete their content; they can opt to come back later if they wish.
What About Messenger?
Interestingly, the ban doesn’t apply to Messenger, Meta’s messaging service. Teens who want to keep in touch with friends can still use Messenger without a Facebook or Instagram account. This is a big relief for many who rely on Messenger for communication,, explains The Guardian. Meta has developed a special workaround that allows users to maintain their access to the service, even though their Facebook or Instagram accounts will be shut down.
While Meta is complying with the law, there are still questions about how the company will ensure that only those under 16 are affected by the ban. Meta has set up a system for users to verify their age through facial recognition (a video selfie) or by providing a government ID via Yoti’s age assurance technology. However, there are concerns that the system might not be perfect. In fact, Meta has already acknowledged that some users could be wrongly flagged as under 16, and that errors in age estimation are likely to occur.
So, what happens if Meta mistakenly locks out a 16-year-old who should’ve been left alone? They can appeal by providing proof of age. This could mean showing government-issued ID or taking a selfie for verification. While this might be a little inconvenient, it’s the company’s attempt to balance privacy concerns with ensuring compliance with the new regulations.
Why Is This Happening?
The social media ban, which is set to take effect in December, is part of Australia’s broader strategy to protect young people from the potential harms of online platforms. Critics of the ban argue that Meta’s current settings—like limiting who teenagers can contact and restricting ads—were already sufficient to protect young users. However, the government believes that stricter measures are needed.
For Meta, the ban means a fundamental shift in how it operates in Australia, and it’s clear the company is working hard to make sure everything complies with the law. Despite the company’s objections, Meta is navigating this change with one eye on user safety and the other on trying to preserve its business model.
