Meta Platforms has begun notifying young Australians that they must download their data and delete their accounts from Facebook, Instagram and Threads ahead of the nation’s sweeping restriction on under-16s using social media. The notifications were sent via SMS, email and in-app messages beginning on 20 November 2025, as the company prepares to comply with a law scheduled to come into effect on 10 December 2025. Under the legislation, the company must take “reasonable steps” to prevent minors under the age of 16 from holding active accounts and from registering new ones. Meta said it will start deactivating existing accounts and blocking new sign-ups from 4 December, with the process expected to be complete by the legal deadline.
The notified group includes Australians aged between 13 and 15, with the country’s online safety regulator estimating there are roughly 150,000 Facebook users and 350,000 Instagram users in that age bracket. Meta explained that users flagged as underage will be able to choose whether to download their content and archive their memories or opt to have their account deleted. The company added that account holders who turn 16 will have the option to regain their accounts, provided they meet verification requirements. Meta emphasised that Messenger will remain accessible, but those under the age limit will lose access to Facebook, Instagram and Threads until they reach the required age.
Age verification procedures are a core element of Meta’s compliance plan. The company said it would employ a data-minimisation approach, only requiring additional verification when a user’s age cannot be reasonably inferred from existing information. For those cases, Meta will open age assurance flows that may use government-issued identity documents or a video selfie via a specialist provider. Meta regional policy director Mia Garlick stated that the company recognised there could be errors in age estimations but believed this approach would have less privacy impact than broader verification campaigns.
While Meta emphasises compliance, it has also raised concerns about the new rules. The firm stated that its existing teen account settings already impose limits on how younger users can interact, reduce advertising exposure and restrict direct messages. Meta suggested that app stores should play a larger role in age verification to streamline the process and protect user privacy. Some advocacy groups support the law but say it must be accompanied by broader support for young people to manage their time online and develop safe habits.
The Australian law marks one of the most ambitious efforts globally to restrict young people’s access to social media platforms. The government will fine companies up to AUD 49.5 million if they fail to implement the required measures. Analysts and industry watchers say the success of the policy will depend on how accurately companies can verify age and how smoothly the deactivation and reactivation flows operate. Some experts caution that the reliance on facial recognition and video selfie solutions introduces potential errors and privacy risks, and could lead to wrongful exclusions, particularly among users aged 16–17.
Australia’s ban is regarded as a potential test case for other jurisdictions considering age-related restrictions. Observers note that the timeline is tight and that user experience may suffer if platforms struggle with operational complexities. Meta stated that compliance will be “ongoing and multi-layered” and that it expects the implementation to evolve as the company adjusts to the new regime.