Half a million social media accounts blocked in Australia

Meta has blocked about 550,000 social media accounts in the early stages of Australia’s new law restricting children’s access to social media platforms. Meta acknowledged that stronger measures are needed to protect young users online. In its first week of complying with the law, the company said it blocked 330,639 accounts on Instagram, 173,497 on Facebook and 39,916 on Threads. The legislation, which took effect in December, requires major platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and Threads to prevent Australians under the age of 16 from holding accounts. The move is seen as a major step in

Meta has blocked about 550,000 social media accounts in the early stages of Australia’s new law restricting children’s access to social media platforms. Meta acknowledged that stronger measures are needed to protect young users online. In its first week of complying with the law, the company said it blocked 330,639 accounts on Instagram, 173,497 on Facebook and 39,916 on Threads. The legislation, which took effect in December, requires major platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and Threads to prevent Australians under the age of 16 from holding accounts. The move is seen as a major step in global efforts to regulate children’s online activity. The ban has drawn international attention and was defended by the Australian government and child protection advocates as necessary to shield young people from harmful content and the negative effects of recommendation algorithms. ALSO READ: Australians under 16 to lose social media access from 4 December In a statement published on its blog, Meta urged the Australian government to work more closely with technology companies to find alternative solutions. “We call on the Australian government to engage constructively with industry to find a better way forward, such as encouraging higher standards for safe, privacy-focused and age-appropriate online experiences, rather than blanket bans,” the company said. According to BBC, Meta reiterated its position that age verification should be handled at the app store level, arguing this would reduce the compliance burden on both regulators and social media platforms. It also proposed allowing exemptions where parents approve their children’s access. According to the company, this approach would ensure consistent protection for young people across all platforms and prevent teenagers from moving to new or less regulated apps to bypass the restrictions. Several governments, including those in parts of the United States and the European Union, have introduced policies aimed at limiting children’s use of social media. However, Australia’s law is considered the toughest so far, as it sets the minimum age at 16 and does not allow parental consent as an exception. Despite its popularity, some experts have warned that the ban may be easy for children to evade, either by manipulating age-check systems or by turning to other, potentially less safe, online spaces. Supported by some mental health advocates, many young people have also criticised the law, arguing that it limits social connection. They say it could particularly affect children from LGBTQ+, neurodivergent and rural communities, leaving them less prepared to navigate the digital world.