Meta blocks 550,000 accounts under Australia's teen social media ban

Meta says it blocked about 550,000 accounts in the first week enforcing Australia's law that bans users under 16 from social media; Instagram, Facebook and Threads made up the bulk of the removals.

Meta removed roughly 550,000 accounts in the first week of enforcing Australia's new law restricting social media for people under 16. The legislation began in December and requires major platforms to prevent under-16s from maintaining accounts, with no parental consent exemption. Meta carried out removals across Instagram, Facebook and Threads and said it supports stronger protections for young users while questioning the law's approach. The company has asked for collaborative, industry-wide solutions and proposed age checks at app store level. Key details: - Meta reported about 550,000 blocked accounts in the first week. - Platform breakdown reported by Meta: 330,639 Instagram accounts, 173,497 Facebook accounts, and 39,916 Threads accounts. - The Australian law took effect in December and requires platforms to prevent under-16s from having accounts; it does not include a parental consent exception. - Meta has expressed reservations about the law and proposed app store–level age verification and provisions for parental consent as alternatives. - The policy has drawn international attention, with other governments and political parties monitoring or discussing similar measures. Summary: Meta's account removals show immediate large-scale compliance with Australia's under-16 social media restriction, and the company has publicly urged different enforcement methods such as app store age checks. Governments and advocates are observing implementation and its effects on young users and platforms. Undetermined at this time.