Overview
- Meta has begun notifying Australian users aged 13 to 15 that access to Instagram, Facebook and Threads will end starting December 4.
- Creation of new accounts by users under 16 will be blocked from December 4, with removals expected to be completed by the law's start date.
- Government figures indicate about 350,000 Instagram accounts and 150,000 Facebook accounts held by 13 to 15 year-olds are in scope.
- Users who are mistakenly locked out can appeal by submitting a selfie video for age estimation or an official ID to restore access.
- Meta criticizes the law as vague and overhasty, backs parental-consent requirements instead, and experts question how reliably age checks can be enforced while platforms like Roblox tighten teen chat and age verification.