Meta Removes 756,000 Underage Australian Accounts Amid Ban Enforcement
Meta has deactivated over 750,000 Australian accounts suspected of belonging to users under 16. This action follows a new national ban on social media for minors.
Meta Deactivates Accounts
Meta, owner of Facebook and Instagram, deactivated 756,000 Australian social media accounts. These accounts were suspected of belonging to users under 16. The action responds to an Australian law implemented last December (2025). This legislation bans under-16s from social media platforms.
Australia's government proposed the law due to concerns about social media's impact on young people's physical and mental health.
Compliance Efforts Detailed
Meta removed 462,000 suspect Instagram accounts and 294,000 Facebook accounts. These deactivations occurred between December last year and June this year. This total increased significantly from 331,000 Instagram and 173,000 Facebook accounts reported by January. The company states it uses artificial intelligence (AI) to analyse user profiles for age clues. Meta also removed the option for repeat sign-up attempts if a previous account was deleted.
Regulatory Pressure Intensifies
Australia's internet regulator considers a lawsuit against platforms for non-compliance. The government doubled maximum penalties for non-compliance to A$99 million (US$69.75 million). It also granted the regulator greater document discovery powers.
Despite Meta's actions, Australian government figures show over 80 per cent of under-16s still used social media in the ban's first three months. Other platforms have not released comparable compliance data.
This Australian regulatory pressure demonstrates a growing global trend. Other countries consider similar age restrictions for online platforms. Tech companies operating in Asia may face increasing scrutiny over user age verification. This situation drives further investment in age assurance technology. It also increases compliance costs and legal risks for platforms across the Asia-Pacific region.
This article is journalism, not investment advice; consult a licensed professional before making financial decisions. Market data is indicative, may be delayed, and should be verified with your broker or exchange before use.
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