Nov. 20 (UPI) — Australian children under 16 will have their Facebook, Threads and Instagram accounts deactivated by Dec. 10, as Meta begins complying with a new law, they were told Thursday.
The users will have 14 days’ notice via app messages, email and text messages before their accounts get deactivated. New users under 16 will not be able to create an account starting Dec. 4.
The ban also affects TikTok, YouTube, X, Snapchat, Kick and Reddit. YouTube and X have argued that they are opposed to the band and haven’t said if they’ll comply.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the “world-leading” ban was designed for “letting kids be kids,” the BBC reported.
Facebook Messenger is not part of the ban, so Meta has had to create a workaround so that users could access Messenger without a Facebook account.
Users can download and save all their posts and Reels, and they can return to their accounts once they turn 16 or choose to delete the accounts completely.
“When you turn 16, and can access our apps again, all your content will be available exactly as you left it,” said Mia Garlick, Meta’s regional policy director.
“We also ask parents to work with their children to ensure the correct birth date is registered on their social media accounts.”
The process for verification is ongoing.
“While we are working hard to remove all users who we understand to be under the age of 16 by 10 December, compliance with the law will be an ongoing and multi-layered process,” said Antigone Davis, Meta’s global head of safety.
Australia’s internet regulator estimated there are 150,000 Facebook users and 350,000 teens on Instagram who are ages 13 to 15.
Australia’s e-Safety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant said the ban was to protect teens “from pressures and risks they can be exposed to while logged in to social media accounts.”
On Tuesday, the Roblox gaming platform announced that minors on Roblox will no longer be allowed to chat with adult strangers.
COMMENTS
Please let us know if you're having issues with commenting.