Meta has started notifying Australian users between the ages of thirteen and fifteen that their accounts will soon be deactivated under the country’s new social media law. The legislation requires platforms to block access for users under sixteen by December 10th. Meta said it will begin restricting accounts from December 4th and will prevent new registrations from anyone who appears to be under the age threshold. Affected users will be able to download or delete their data and regain access once they turn sixteen.
The company said it will rely on several methods to confirm user age, including face-based estimation tools and checks involving official identification. Meta noted that these systems can make mistakes, particularly for users whose appearance is close to the age limit. The firm said age assessment is an ongoing process that involves multiple layers of review. Australia’s regulator stated that platforms must take reasonable steps to enforce the law and may face financial penalties if they fail to do so.
The law is one of the first in the world to impose broad restrictions on teenage access to social media. Government officials described the measure as a response to concerns about online harm and the influence of digital platforms on young people. Meta said it supports safer experiences for teens but warned that a blanket ban may limit access to community spaces and creative tools that many rely on. The company added that it prefers a system in which app stores verify age during account creation instead of repeated checks inside individual apps.
The transition will require significant operational adjustments for Meta. The firm must identify large numbers of underage accounts and remove them while avoiding the risk of excluding legitimate users. Analysts said that businesses that depend on teenage audiences, including advertisers and content creators, may see reduced engagement. Meta acknowledged these concerns but said it does not expect a substantial effect on its near-term financial outlook.
Policy experts said the Australian approach may influence legislation in other countries. Regulators in several regions are examining ways to limit or manage teen use of social platforms, and many will watch how Meta implements the new rules. The handling of verification processes, data access, and account restoration will be important indicators of compliance. Families may also reassess how social applications are used and consider alternatives for communication once the restrictions take effect.