• Meta will deactivate accounts for Australian users under 16 on Instagram, Facebook, and Threads by December 10.
  • The move is a direct response to a new Australian law mandating a minimum age of 16 for social media users.
  • Affected users will have their accounts and content restored automatically upon turning 16.

Meta Platforms Inc. will begin deactivating the Instagram, Facebook, and Threads accounts of Australian users under the age of 16 starting December 4, with full enforcement expected by December 10. The action is a compliance measure with Australia's new world-first legislation that raises the minimum age for social media use from 13 to 16.

Affected users will receive a 14-day notice starting Thursday, informing them of the impending deactivation and providing instructions on how to download their data. "When you turn 16, all your content will be restored," said Mia Garlick, Meta's director of policy for Australia and New Zealand, in a statement. The company will also block new registrations from users under 16 from December 4.

The law, which carries fines of up to A$78.8 million ($49.5 million) for non-compliance, targets platforms with social-networking features. While services like TikTok and Reddit are also affected, standalone messaging apps such as WhatsApp and Messenger are exempt, as are gaming platforms like Roblox.

Efforts to restructure the digital landscape for young users have hit a significant milestone with this legislation, which was driven by government concerns over mental health and safety risks. The Australian government has described the law as a necessary response to predatory algorithms and harmful content targeting children.

Implementation, however, is not without its challenges. The industry has raised concerns about the accuracy of current age-verification methods and the potential privacy risks associated with requiring government-issued identification. Meta and other tech companies have lobbied for alternative solutions, such as app-store-level age verification, arguing that the current system is imperfect.

For Meta, the immediate financial impact is expected to be contained, as Australia represents a mature market. However, analysts note that if similar legislation is adopted in larger markets like Europe and North America, the cumulative effect on user growth and advertising revenue could be substantial. The company's shares were largely unchanged in after-hours trading following the announcement.

A spokesperson for the eSafety Commissioner confirmed that the regulatory body is working with all affected platforms to ensure a smooth transition. The broader industry will be watching the Australian experiment closely, as it could serve as a template for other governments grappling with youth online safety.

Correction: An earlier version of this article misstated the final enforcement date; it is December 10, not December 4. Deactivations begin on December 4.