Meta Platforms has started notifying Australian users under 16 that their Facebook, Instagram and Threads accounts will be deactivated by December 10 to comply with the federal government’s social media age restriction law.
The company began sending alerts on Thursday via in-app messages, email and SMS, giving affected users 14 days’ notice before access is removed.
Threads accounts will also be blocked because the platform requires an Instagram login.
Messenger is exempt, though Meta has created a standalone access method for users who lose their Facebook account.
Meta will begin stopping new under-16 sign-ups and deactivating existing accounts from December 4, with full removal completed by December 10.
The company is targeting accounts it believes belong to 13–15-year-olds but has declined to detail its detection methods to prevent circumvention.
Users wrongly flagged can appeal by submitting a video selfie for facial age estimation or government ID through Yoti technology.
Meta acknowledges errors will occur but says this approach is the least privacy-intrusive option.
Affected teenagers can download their data, delete their accounts or update contact details to be notified when they turn 16.
Australia’s ban, one of the world’s strictest, places the enforcement burden on platforms and carries fines up to A$49.5 million.
Approximately 150,000 Facebook and 350,000 Instagram users aged 13–15 will be impacted.
Meta continues to argue its supervised teen accounts system would be preferable and that age verification should occur at app stores.
TikTok and Snapchat have confirmed they will comply.
YouTube disputes its inclusion. X has opposed the law but not stated its plans.
A NSW Libertarian politician intends to challenge the legislation in the High Court.