Social media giant Meta has ramped up pressure on Australian authorities to rethink the nation’s trailblazing law barring under-16s from key platforms. The firm revealed it suspended more than 550,000 suspected underage accounts shortly after the policy took effect.
The Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Act 2024 began on December 11, 2025. It mandates strict barriers on sites like Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, Reddit, Snapchat, and X, with fines up to AU$50 million for breaches.
Meta’s recent update showed it axed 330,639 Instagram accounts, 173,497 on Facebook, and 39,916 on Threads from December 4-11.
The company reaffirmed its legal commitment. “As we’ve stated previously, Meta is committed to meeting its compliance obligations and is taking the necessary steps to remain compliant with the law.”
Meta pushed for partnership instead. “That said, we call on the Australian government to engage with industry constructively to find a better way forward, such as incentivising all of industry to raise the standard in providing safe, privacy-preserving, age appropriate experiences online, instead of blanket bans.”
Working with non-profit OpenAge, Meta launched Age Keys using IDs, biometrics, or digital wallets. It argued app stores need matching safeguards, given teens’ weekly use of over 40 apps dodging scrutiny.
“This is the only way to guarantee consistent, industry-wide protections for young people, no matter which apps they use, and to avoid the whack-a-mole effect of catching up with new apps that teens will migrate to in order to circumvent the social media ban law,” the firm added.
Meta previously warned “cutting teens off from their friends and communities isn’t the answer,” as many bypass rules via VPNs, parents’ logins, or apps like Yope, Lemon8, and Discord. Polls show 79% adult support but 70% teen opposition.
Reddit launched a High Court challenge, lamenting curbs on “age-appropriate community experiences (including political discussions).” It noted “the political views of children inform the electoral choices of many current electors, including their parents and their teachers, as well as others interested in the views of those soon to reach the age of maturity.”
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese hailed the ban for handing power back to families, allowing “kids to be kids,” aligning with eSafety Commissioner aims to shield youth from toxic content.
The move underscores social media’s mental health risks, echoing 2023 US Surgeon General warnings on rising teen depression and anxiety. Global campaigns like the UK’s Smartphone Free Childhood and expert calls from Jonathan Haidt for no smartphones before 14 gain traction, though early results show mixed teen reactions from relief to isolation.