Meta Removes Under‑16 Accounts in Australia as TikTok Details Compliance for Dec. 10 Ban

Overview

• Meta has begun deleting accounts it believes belong to Australians under 16 on Instagram, Threads and Facebook, offering data downloads and promising restoration when users turn 16.
• TikTok says it will disable under‑16 accounts when the law takes effect on December 10, hide any past posts, allow data export, and let teens appeal by proving age with options such as facial images, a credit‑card authorization, or government ID.
• Platforms face fines up to AUD 49.5 million if they fail to take “reasonable steps” to block under‑16s, with the mandate covering services including Facebook, TikTok and YouTube.
• Some services are currently exempt, including Roblox, Pinterest and WhatsApp, though regulators say the exemption list will be reviewed and no verification method is foolproof.
• Pushback has intensified as Meta urges app stores to handle age checks, YouTube argues the ban could make teens less safe, Australia’s communications minister rejects that claim, and the Digital Freedom Project has asked the High Court to halt the law.