Overview
- Meta began notifying Australian accounts it estimates belong to 13- to 15-year-olds on November 20, with access to Facebook, Instagram and Threads to be disabled from December 4 ahead of the December 10 law.
- Australia’s new rules bar under-16s from designated social platforms and require companies to take reasonable measures or face penalties up to about A$49.5 million.
- The eSafety regulator’s list includes TikTok, YouTube, Snapchat, Reddit, X and Threads, while messaging-only services such as Messenger and WhatsApp are not included.
- Users flagged in error can appeal through third-party verification via Yoti using a video selfie or government ID, as experts warn of accuracy and privacy concerns with age-estimation tools.
- Meta argues a system-level or app-store age check with parental approval would be preferable, while other platforms adjust policies and nearby governments weigh similar restrictions.