Meta blocks 756,000 underage accounts in Australia

US-based technology company Meta Platforms Inc. has announced that it has blocked access to 756,000 Instagram and Facebook accounts in Australia as part of legislation restricting social media use by people under the age of 16.

The company issued a statement on its enforcement efforts in Australia since, and in the lead-up to, the law coming into effect in December 2025, CE Report quotes Anadolu Agency.

According to the statement, 462,000 Instagram accounts and 294,000 Facebook accounts identified as belonging to users under the age of 16 have been removed.

The company said enforcement efforts are continuing around the clock using AI-powered detection systems and stressed that the number of blocked accounts is expected to continue increasing.

Age restrictions on social media use in Australia

Australia’s legislation restricting social media access for people under 16 came into effect on December 10, 2025.

Under the rules, 10 platforms, including X, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and YouTube, as well as Snapchat, Reddit, Twitch, Threads and Kick, are subject to age restrictions.

The Australian government says the law aims to reduce the negative impact of algorithms and harmful content on children and young people.

Companies that fail to take reasonable steps to remove accounts belonging to children under 16 could face fines of up to 49.5 million Australian dollars.

Photo: Chat GPT