Meta’s Account Blocks: Australia’s Under-16s Social Media Ban Sees Initial Enforcement
Meta has deactivated over 544,052 accounts on Facebook, Instagram, and Threads belonging to users believed to be under 16, following Australia’s new social media ban, which went into effect in December. The ban, covering ten platforms, requires age verification, but the opposition claims implementation has been ineffective, with many accounts remaining active or migrating to other platforms. While Meta is complying, the company also expressed concerns about age verification methods and urged the government to collaborate with the industry. The ban is being closely monitored globally, with the UK also considering similar measures.
John Q. Hosedrinker